Opponent watch: Real Madrid defender likely to miss Clasico vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2026/27 season, winning all eight of their matches so far – seven in La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League.

But once the Catalans return to action after the international break, they stare at some huge challenges ahead of them, including two of the biggest fixtures on the calendar – the UCL clash against PSG and the La Liga El Clasico vs Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick’s side have been in rampant form and will be eager to get bragging rights over their rivals in both the matches.

However, Real Madrid might not arrive for the big game at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25 at full-strength.

Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio likely to miss the Clasico

Indeed, defender Raul Asencio could be out of the first El Clasico of the current season as he is close to undergoing a surgery, reports MARCA.

The Spanish defender has been dealing with a broken tibia since January and has been managing the issue with conservative treatment without having to go under the knife.

Asencio expected to miss El Clasico. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The problem, though, has not improved as expected and continues to trouble the Real Madrid academy man.

As such, both the player and the club are expected to meet soon and make a decision on the next course of action, with everything pointing towards him undergoing surgery.

In that case, Asencio is expected to be out of action for a prolonged period, likely around two to three months. It would rule him out of the trip to Camp Nou for the Clasico in October.

The defender has yet to play a single minute this season, having been dealing with issues both on and off the field.

His absence will not be a big blow for Real Madrid, although Eder Militao is yet to fully recover and Ibrahima Konate has also picked up an injury during the international break, raising some concern.

Barcelona’s absences

Will De Jong return in time for El Clasico? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As far as Barcelona are concerned, they are expected to go into the Clasico without Roony Bardghji, sidelined with an ACL rupture, and Andreas Christensen, who suffered an injury earlier this month.

Frenkie de Jong is expected to resume training after the international break, although it remains to be seen if he will be ready in time for the Clasico.

Raphinha has picked up some discomfort during Brazil’s friendly against Australia earlier today and the Catalans will be hoping that the issue is nothing major.