Real Madrid is reportedly set to welcome back defenders Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Sunday’s pivotal El Clásico against Barcelona, as midfielder Dani Ceballos also eyes a return to the squad.
Real Madrid face a significant defensive challenge ahead of the weekend’s El Clásico, with David Alaba ruled out and Antonio Rüdiger remaining on the long-term injury list. Manager Xabi Alonso is relying on returning players to fill the voids.
Real Madrid are grappling with a severe defensive injury crisis just days before hosting rivals Barcelona in El Clásico. The latest setback sees defender David Alaba confirmed out, having suffered a calf strain that will sideline him for approximately 7–10 days.
The Austrian joins Antonio Rüdiger, who is not expected back until mid-December, as a confirmed absentee.
Manager Xabi Alonso’s defensive options are stretched thin, leaving Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio as the only fully fit natural centre-backs. However, there is positive news as Dean Huijsen is “edging closer to a return” from a calf issue and could be available for the match.
Full-backs Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also “taking things day by day” after returning to training and may make the bench, though starting either is considered a risk. Dani Ceballos is another player facing a late fitness test.
Alonso now faces a tough selection dilemma: “If there are any setbacks, the Spanish boss might very well have to improvise in the biggest match of his tenure at Real Madrid.”