Real Madrid and Barcelona head into El Clásico with a series of concerns due to injuries, and the coaching staffs of both teams are working to determine their starting lineups.
However, Los Blancos have already settled their defensive setup for all possible scenarios.
Real Madrid has just welcomed Ferland Mendy back to full training after six months out, but he is not expected to play a significant role for now.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are both racing to recover in time for El Clásico, with greater optimism surrounding the latter.
The English defender also posted on Instagram, hinting that his return is near.
However, neither Carvajal nor Alexander-Arnold will be considered for a starting spot against Barcelona due to their recent weeks-long absences.
According to ESPN, the recovery of both players has been positive, and they are likely to make the squad, but Real Madrid does not want to take any risks with either of them.
As a result, Fede Valverde will return to the right-back position for El Clásico, and most likely also play there against Juventus on Wednesday.
The plan is for Álvaro Carreras to start as left-back, while Dean Huijsen will partner Éder Militão at the center of defense.
The Spanish defender has not yet fully recovered from a muscle issue, and there is some concern that he may not be ready in time for El Clásico.
However, the current feeling is that he will be fit to play. Only in case of a setback will Raúl Asencio return to the starting lineup alongside Militão.
