Real Madrid and Barcelona are both heading into El Clasico with a number of injury concerns, and the coaching staff on both sides will be trying to work out what the starting XIs will be. However Los Blancos have already made up their mind on their backline in all scenarios.
Los Blancos have just welcomed Ferland Mendy back to full training after six months out, but he is not expected to be a factor just yet. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are both racing to be back from injury in time for El Clasico, with optimism over the latter. The England international also posted on his Instagram hinting that his return is imminent.
Fede Valverde to start El Clasico at right-back
However neither Carvajal nor Alexander-Arnold will be considered for a starting spot against Barcelona, after several weeks out in both cases. ESPN say that the recovery of both players has been positive, and it is probable that both will be in the squad, but Real Madrid do not want to take any risks with either player. As such, Fede Valverde will return to right-back for El Clasico, and likely against Juventus on Wednesday too.
Raul Asencio could come into line-up in case of crisis
The plan is for Alvaro Carreras to begin at left-back, and Dean Huijsen to partner Eder Militao in central defence. The Spain international is yet to recover from his muscle discomfort, and there is some concern that he may not be back in time for the Clasico. However the current feeling is that he will make it. Only in the case of a setback will Raul Asencio return to the starting XI alongside Militao.
It means Alonso will go into the Clasico with no doubts over his backline. The question marks then shift to midfield, where Jude Bellingham’s fit in the starting XI will be under scrutiny. One of Franco Mastantuono or Arda Guler would likely have to be sacrificed to play Bellingham in his most familiar role.
