Real Madrid and Barcelona are both waiting nervously on several of their star players’ fitness as El Clasico approaches.
For Los Blancos, those issues are focused on their backline, where their injury issues from last season have continued.
With Antonio Rudiger out of action until December, and David Alaba still not back up to full speed, Xabi Alonso’s depth at centre-back has been weakened. Ferland Mendy has only just returned to training after six months out, while Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both racing back from muscle issues to be back for their clash with Barcelona. The latest to suffer issues is Dean Huijsen.
The Spain defender left the international camp last week with muscle discomfort, and there was confidence that he would be back in time for Los Blancos’ clash with Juventus next week, even if this weekend a visit to Getafe may come too soon. However the latest from Diario AS is that there is no longer complete confidence that Huijsen will return in time. The club still believe he will be fit in time for the Clasico, but would no longer put their proverbial neck on the line.
The injury originally was due to keep him out for 12-15 days, and the feeling is that it will be closer to the longer end of that time out, and if there are any delays, then it will be touch and go. It is mentioned that the soleus muscle is particularly delicate when it comes to recovery, and has a higher relapse rate.
What is certain is that Huijsen will miss the match at the Coliseum on Sunday, and if that is indeed the case, then it will be Raul Asencio who will replace the young Spain international. He is currently leading the race to partner Eder Militao, although Alaba and Alvaro C arreras are alternatives. If neither Carvajal or Alexander-Arnold make it back, then Fede Valverde will reprise his role at right-back.