Real Madrid handed quadruple injury boost as squad announced for Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis has cleared up just in time for the visit of their bitter rivals

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in the Real Madrid squad for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

The reason the number is so low is because he was forced off just five minutes into his Champions League debut for the club in the first League Phase fixture against Marseille on September 16.

Initially, there were reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold was facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

That timeline would have ruled the right-back out of Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona and left him with a race against the clock to be available for the Champions League tie at Anfield on November 4.

However, as confirmed by Los Blancos, Alexander-Arnold - who completed a full training session on Friday as preparations began for the visit of Barcelona - is in the squad.

If the 27-year-old does make an appearance in El Clasico, he could cross paths with Marcus Rashford at some stage as the England international is in line to start at the Santiago Bernabeu with Raphinha set to miss out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in line to return to action against Barcelona

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In addition, fellow summer signing Dean Huijsen returns to the squad after missing wins over Getafe and Juventus with a calf injury sustained while on international duty with Spain earlier in the month.

Huijsen could partner Eder Militao in central defence as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba will not feature at the weekend.

Meanwhile, rounding off the positive news for Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, Dani Ceballos and club captain Dani Carvajal are available for selection against the reigning La Liga champions.

Confirmed Real Madrid squad

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre.

Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Trent, Asencio, A. Carreras, Fran Garca, F. Mendy, Huijsen.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Guler, D. Ceballos.

Forwards: Vini Jr., Endrick, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim, Mastantuono.