Real Madrid hope to have three key men back for the Clásico v Barcelona | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté, and Federico Valverde are Real Madrid’s three main concerns ahead of the first Clásico of the season, although the club remains hopeful of having them available on October 25.

Real Madrid already have their sights set on the clash with Barcelona. Los Blancos will visit Camp Nou on October 25 and, according to information from ESPN, there is confidence within the club that Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté, and Federico Valverde could be available for the match.

The three players head into the international break with different physical issues and, although their recoveries are progressing along different paths, none of them is currently ruled out for the Clásico.

Valverde expected to return first

Federico Valverde’s case is the one generating the most optimism. The Uruguayan suffered ankle discomfort during the derby against Atlético de Madrid, and Real Madrid hope he can rejoin the team when LaLiga resumes.

According to ESPN, the goal is for the midfielder to be available for the match against Villarreal on October 10, which would allow him enough time to be ready for the Clásico.

Mbappé, the main question mark

Kylian Mbappé’s situation is more uncertain. The forward was injured during France’s win over Turkey in the Nations League, a match in which he scored the winning goal before leaving the pitch.

Real Madrid later confirmed that the attacker suffered a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee.

According to ESPN, the player himself will be assessed throughout his recovery, and his sensations—especially his level of pain—will be decisive in determining when he can return to the pitch.

For now, the club has not set a definite date for his return, but remains confident that he can recover in time to face Barcelona.

Konaté not ruled out either

Ibrahima Konaté is also dealing with a knee problem suffered while on international duty with France. The ligament issue is not considered serious, although Real Madrid will have to decide whether to push for a quick recovery or take a more conservative approach.

The schedule leading up to the Clásico could influence that decision. After hosting Villarreal on October 10, Los Blancos will visit Roma on the 14th, host Sevilla on the 18th, and then face RB Leipzig on the 21st, before visiting Barcelona four days later.

What about Militão, Mendy, and Rodrygo?

Éder Militão is also beginning to edge closer to his return. The Brazilian has already resumed training after the surgery he underwent in April and could make his comeback toward the end of October.

However, his availability for the Clásico remains uncertain because he will need to regain match fitness before returning to a game of maximum intensity.

The cases of Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo paint a different picture. Both remain out of the immediate plans, and neither is expected to be available for the clash against Barcelona.

Real Madrid therefore head into the coming weeks with a clear priority: getting players back before one of the most important fixtures of the season. And for now, the expectation in Valdebebas is that Mbappé, Konaté, and Valverde can make it to the Clásico on October 25.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.