Alonso has one question mark over Real Madrid XI for El Clasico

Real Madrid have received positive news on the injury front ahead of El Clasico, and Xabi Alonso will be able to select from all but two of his players ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Barcelona. Los Blancos carry a two-point lead into the game, and could strike an important blow in the title race.

Throughout this week, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been training with the team again, and after several weeks out for both, are set to be fit to play in the Clasico. All the same, given both are only just back to fitness, the likelihood is that neither starts, and Fede Valverde seems likely to continue at right-back.

Real Madrid welcome two back to training on Friday

In addition to the two right-backs, Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen have also returned to fitness, and exercised without issues. Both picked up muscle injuries during the international break, missing their games against Getafe and Juventus, but will be available to start for Alonso against Barcelona. It means that only David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger will remain out for the clash, in stark contrast to the injury issues for the Catalans.

Xabi Alonso has one remaining debate over starting XI

According to Diario AS, there is just one position in midfield that Alonso is uncertain of. Ahead of Thibaut Courtois, Huijsen will return to partner Eder Militao between Valverde and Alvaro Carreras. Vinicius Junior will be on the left behind Kylian Mbappe, while Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler are assured their spots in midfield.

The one open position will be disputed between Eduardo Camavinga and Franco Mastantuono. Including the Frenchman would represent a more conservative and physically imposing option, to try and overpower Barcelona in midfield. Franco Mastantuono would provide more natural width on the right, and an ability to thread a pass, cross or shot from the flank, as well as combine with Guler, Bellingham and Mbappe.