1. Andres Iniesta: real possibilities he could play
The 32-year-old injured his knee at Estadio Mestalla on October 22 after an unfortunate tackle from Valencia midfielder Enzo Perez. When Iniesta initially left the field on a stretcher, there were a lot of fears about the extent of it; some thought that the Barcelona midfielder would miss even longer than 6-8 weeks, however he has already returned to training. Iniesta has worked since the first day of his recovery and, at present, is a real option to play at least a few minutes in the Clasico.
2. Samuel Umtiti: doubtful for El Clasico
Like Iniesta, Umtiti is unlikely to start the Clasico on December 3. During the last international break, Umtiti tore his hamstring whilst away with France, a knock that Barcelona doctors believe will see him miss three weeks. Some thought that the Frenchman was beginning to displace Javier Mascherano in the starting line-up, but injuries have hampered the 23-year-old. Umtiti only returned from a knee sprain that he picked up against Atletico Madrid a few weeks ago, a knock that saw him miss a month.
3. Jeremy Mathieu: still not back to group training
The former Valencia defender had a tear in the soleus during the Supercopa de Catalunya and he has not yet received a medical discharge. Mathieu was expected to be out for three weeks, but three weeks have passed and he has still not returned to training. His participation in the Clasico is unknown; it will depend on whether he begins training in the next few days.
Real Madrid: Five injuries
1. Toni Kroos: making good progress
His recovery is on track after an injury in his right foot. With the German almost certain to miss the Clasico, his goal will surely be the Club World Cup. If there are no interruptions in his return, he could play on December 10 against Deportivo de La Coruna.
2. Gareth Bale: definitely out
On November 24, Bale had surgery on the ankle problem picked up against Sporting CP in the Champions League. The Welshman is definitely ruled out of the Clasico and for the next 10 games. He is unexpected to play until February.
3. Alvaro Morata: out of the Clasico
The Real Madrid forward suffered a muscle injury (grade 2) in the femoral biceps of his right leg. After four goals in five La Liga starts, Morata is definitely out of the Clasico. The goal, like Kroos, is a return for the Club World Cup.
4. Pepe: will make squad
He suffered a muscle injury in the match away at Mendizorroza, Alaves' stadium, on 29 October. The recovery period was four weeks, but his evolution has been good. Pepe is already training with his teammates and could make the match squad for the game against Sporting Gijon. He will be in the squad against Barcelona.
5. Casemiro: on track to be in the Clasico squad
The Brazilian has not played since September after suffering a crack in his left fibula. Casemiro returned to training this week. There is a chance that he gets in the squad this weekend, but he should be there by El Clasico should all things go well.
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