Real Madrid given enormous injury boost for El Clasico clash with Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Barcelona have suffered a series of injuries in recent weeks, and all of them have been measured against the length of time the players in question have to recover before El Clasico. However Los Blancos have been given a major boost in that regard.

The Blaugrana are likely to be without starting goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi, but will hope to have Fermin Lopez and Raphinha back in time. Meanwhile Real Madrid’s injury issues centre around the right-back position, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal both suffering injuries.

Real Madrid will have Carvajal back for El Clasico

However there is positive news on Carvajal’s calf problem, as per Diario AS. While originally he was ruled out for four weeks, putting his presence against Barcelona in severe doubt, the prognosis is much more optimistic now. They say the injury could be closer to three weeks out.

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Carvajal himself is reportedly pushing himself hard to be back for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, setting it as his goal. From Valdebebas, the word is that it is ‘practically certain’ that Carvajal will be back for the Clasico, although Real Madrid do not expect him to return for their games with Getafe and Juventus in the week preceeding that game.

Potential issue avoided for Xabi Alonso

Alexander-Arnold’s injury means he is likely to be out until November at the very least, leaving Xabi Alonso without a natural option at right-back until Carvajal returns. While the Basque manager may feel he can get by with moving across Eder Militao or Raul Asencio to right-back, he may well have been tempted to return Fede Valverde to the right-back spot against Barcelona, as a more accomplished option there. Given the fallout surrouding the Uruguayan, it may save Alonso a selection headache and a few questions from the press.