Injury battles ahead of El Clasico: Real Madrid and Barcelona race against time

League leaders Real Madrid, two points clear of defending champions Barcelona after nine matches, are dealing with several fitness issues as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first Clasico in charge. Hansi Flick's Barcelona are also struggling with absentees but expect some positive news ahead of the trip to Madrid.

Huijsen in Race to Return

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is edging closer to a return after recovering from a calf injury that ruled him out of Spain's matches and the recent clash with Getafe. Club sources have indicated optimism that the 20-year-old could be fit for Sunday. Madrid decided to rest him for the Champions League win over Juventus to avoid any risk of relapse.

Raul Asencio, who was substituted late in that same match with muscle discomfort, is expected to be available. "It was just cramp, nothing serious," a Madrid insider said. Alonso is likely to start Asencio alongside Eder Militao, though Aurelien Tchouameni could also feature in central defence if needed.

Doubts over Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold

Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain doubtful. Both have trained but were left out against Juventus. Carvajal suffered a calf injury against Atletico Madrid last month, while Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined since the Champions League opener against Marseille. Neither is expected to start, though both may make the bench. Dani Ceballos is also facing a late fitness test after missing the Juventus game through muscle discomfort.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are ruled out. Rudiger is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in training in September and is not expected back until mid-December. Alaba, who strained his calf against Getafe, will also miss out. Ferland Mendy made a long-awaited return against Juventus after five months out but will be eased back gradually.

Flick Hopeful over Raphinha and Christensen

Barcelona have their own problems, with Hansi Flick confirming that Raphinha and Andreas Christensen could return in time. "He is a very important player and we hope to have him back for Sunday," Flick said about Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has been out since late September with a hamstring problem.

Ferran Torres has also been cleared to play after missing training with a minor knock, though he was an unused substitute in the 6-1 win over Olympiacos. Christensen, who missed that match through illness, is expected to return.

However, Flick will be without several key players. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, who were both injured during the October international break, are ruled out. Lewandowski is recovering from a torn hamstring, while Olmo is nursing a calf problem, with both expected to return in mid-November.

Long-Term Absentees Remain Sidelined

Goalkeeper Joan García, signed in the summer, is still waiting to make his debut after suffering a meniscus injury that will keep him out until at least mid-November. Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain long-term absentees.

Ter Stegen's back problems are expected to keep him sidelined until early December, while Gavi, who underwent knee surgery in September, is targeting a return in January or February.

With both sides facing a long injury list, Sunday's clash promises to be a tactical test of squad depth and resilience as Madrid and Barcelona renew one of football's greatest rivalries.