Barcelona and Real Madrid will write another chapter of their rivalry with El Clásico for Matchday 10 of 2021 La Liga on Sunday. While the hosts are coming to this match in a difficult moment, the derby always promises good soccer. If you live in the USA, you can watch it on ESPN+.
The Camp Nou will receive Real Madrid for a crucial match to both teams. Barcelona need to add points if they want to climb positions in La Liga. On the other hand, Real Madrid want to steal the top spot of the standings from Real Sociedad, who have three more points than Los Merengues.
However, both teams will have to deal with some absences. While Barcelona have been trying to figure out the best team to put together during the first season without Lionel Messi, Real Madrid have a more established eleven. Both will have to make some changes, though.
Barcelona players who will miss El Clásico
Everyone wants to play El Clásico but, due to injuries or suspension, some players won’t be available to be on the pitch at Camp Nou on Sunday. In Barcelona’s case there are four absences: Pedri, Ronald Araujo, Martin Braithwaite and Dembele.
Ronald Araujo (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Pedri, who had his breakthrough season last year, won’t be able to play on Sunday after suffering a muscular injury. He already missed the game against Atletico Madrid and the Nations League final with Spain.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo suffered a thigh injury and he hasn’t a comeback date yet. Braithwaite, on the other hand, suffered a knee injury in August and he’s not set to return until December. Finally, Dembele is still recovering from the knee surgery he underwent in June.
Real Madrid players who will miss El Clásico
In the Real Madrid case there are several players who are in doubt for the match. Dani Ceballos, with an ankle injury, and Gareth Bale, with a knee injury, are out until November. On the other hand, Dani Carvajal with calf problems is working to get healthy for the game, but it’s unlikely he will.
Eden Hazard (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Eden Hazard also has been suffering from muscular problems and, so far, he won’t be playing at the Camp Nou. Luka Jovic, with knock, and Isco, with back problems, are also in doubt for El Clásico. There’s no official statements regarding their injuries so it’s hard to know if they finally will be available.
Regardless of the absences, El Clásico will still be exciting with Karim Benzema, who will try to keep scoring goals, and Memphis Depay, who will be playing his first derby. So, it’s a must-see game and you can watch it on ESPN+.
