Barcelona’s preparations for the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season have been rocked by a mounting injury crisis. The Catalan giants will travel to the Santiago Bernabéu without key players including Raphinha, Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, and Robert Lewandowski leaving assistant coach Marcus Sorg facing an uphill task in the absence of suspended boss Hansi Flick.

Raphinha’s failure to recover from a leg muscle injury is a particular blow to Barcelona’s attacking options. The Brazilian winger has been one of their most direct outlets this season, contributing five assists in eight appearances.

“Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is he is injured,” Sorg confirmed. His absence shifts extra responsibility onto Marcus Rashford, who is expected to start on the left wing and lead Barca’s front line.

There are, however, a few glimmers of hope for the visitors. Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Koundé, and Andreas Christensen all returned to training on Saturday, with the club optimistic about their availability.

Koundé, who limped off during the 6–1 win over Olympiacos, is expected to partner 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí at the heart of defence if declared fit. De Jong, meanwhile, missed several sessions with illness but remains a crucial presence in midfield.

Real Madrid, in contrast, approaches the clash with confidence and depth. Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined, but manager Xabi Alonso has been boosted by the returns of Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Huijsen is set to replace Rüdiger alongside Éder Militão, while Jude Bellingham who scored the winner against Juventus in midweek will once again orchestrate play behind Kylian Mbappé. The French forward has scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Statistically, Real Madrid holds the edge heading into the game. The Spanish champions have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions, averaging 2.3 goals per game while conceding just six times in that run.

Barcelona, on the other hand, have won only two of their last five and have yet to record a clean sheet in October a sign of defensive instability that could be exploited by Madrid’s front three of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Arda Güler.

Sunday’s fixture at the Bernabéu, kicking off at 17:15 p.m., promises to be another captivating chapter in football’s most storied rivalry. For Real Madrid, it’s a chance to cement their dominance at the top of La Liga. For Barcelona, it’s a test of resilience a battle not just against their fiercest rivals, but against the limits of their own depth and endurance.