Real Madrid are likely to be considered favourites for the first El Clasico of the season, which takes place in just over two weeks’ time at the Santiago Bernabeu. And their chances of victory would increase if they have at least one of their two right-backs available to face Barcelona.
As things stand, Xabi Alonso is not able to count on Trent Alexander-Arnold or Dani Carvajal, with both players having been struck down with injuries in recent weeks. However, there is a belief that they are coming towards the end of their recovery period – and just in time too.
Federico Valverde and Raul Asencio have deputised at right-back during this period, but they may not need to for much longer. According to MD, Trent and Carvajal are both working hard to be available for El Clasico – and in the case of the former, he could even be available sooner.
Trent was ruled out for 6-8 weeks when he tore his hamstring against Marseille in mid-September, which would have made it very difficult for him to be back in time to face Barcelona. However, the report has revealed that he is looking good to be available, and he could even return to feature against Getafe or Juventus, whom Real Madrid play in the build-up to El Clasico.
As for Carvajal, he picked up his injury in the Madrid derby just under a fortnight ago, with his recovery period set at 3-4 weeks. He will also be racing against time to be fit for El Clasico, but like Trent, he is working hard to ensure that he can be called upon if necessary.
It remains to be seen how the situation develops with Trent and Carvajal, but there is no doubt that Real Madrid will be better for having them available against Barcelona.
