Real Madrid growing optimistic about defensive duo’s availability for El Clasico | OneFootball

Barcelona and Real Madrid are both struggling with injuries and are evenly balanced heading into El Clasico, which will be played at the Bernabeu later this month.

However, with almost two weeks still remaining, Real Madrid are hopeful of getting some of their injured players back in action to face Barcelona.

Among the players in contention for a potential return is Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal. Both players had picked up knocks earlier in the campaign and may return soon.

Optimism in the Real Madrid camp

According to The Athletic, there is growing confidence within the Real Madrid camp surrounding the fitness of Trent and Carvajal.

The club believe both the defenders could be back in time to face Barcelona this month, which could serve as a major boost for coach Xabi Alonso.

The Real Madrid coach, after all, has had to make several adjustments in defence this season, especially with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy also unavailable.

Carvajal could be in contention to feature against Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Should either Carvajal or Trent become fully fit ahead of the Barcelona clash, Alonso may have the luxury to field a fully functional backline, considering that Huijsen is also closing in on his return.

The Spaniard is expected to be fit before the Barcelona clash, with Real Madrid trying to get him match-ready for the Juventus clash that will take place four days before the Clasico.

Hence, it is entirely possible that either Carvajal or Trent could feature at right-back, with Huijsen and Eder Militao once again occupying the central defensive spots and Alvaro Carreras starting at left-back.

This is the kind of formula Alonso would have envisioned at the start of the season. And to have that available against Barcelona, could be a big boost for the club.