This La Liga season’s first El Clasico is about to take place between Real Madrid and Barcelona on October 16 with both Spanish teams looking to go all out in search of the all-important three points at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
However, on the injury front, this international break has been kind to Real Madrid as they have no fresh problems to cope with going into next month. In fact, Karim Benzema is stepping up his injury recovery and should return to action before the upcoming El Clasico.
In contrast, Barcelona has got a whole host of injury concerns as they have lost a handful of crucial players during this international break.
Let’s take a look at five key players who could miss the upcoming El Clasico.
Ronald Araujo
The Uruguayan centre-back is currently out with a serious injury and will definitely miss the clash against Los Blancos. He will even miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup but might return to action at the start of the new calendar year.
Jules Kounde
Barcelona has lost another important defender in the form of Jules Kounde, who is currently out of action with an Achilles problem. He will be in a race against time to be fit for the Clasico but Xavi might choose not to risk him in that game if there are even slight doubts over his fitness.
Frenkie de Jong
The Dutch midfielder has picked up a muscular problem that could keep him out of the clash against Real Madrid on October 16. De Jong remains an influential member of Xavi’s first XI, so losing him to injury will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Catalan club during this international break.
Memphis Depay
The Netherlands international is working his way back from a thigh injury. Depay is facing a spell on the sidelines and will be a major worry for this Clasico.
Hector Bellerin
The Spanish talent picked up a calf injury while training at Barca’s complex. He will undergo further tests soon but could be sidelined for this upcoming La Liga contest versus Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
On paper, Barcelona could struggle to compete with Real Madrid as they have so many of their star players injured at the moment. Still, this El Clasico looks set to be a mouth-watering one as long as Xavi can get the best out of the players he has available in his squad.
