Real Madrid is preparing for the first Clásico of the season with a reduced squad after a series of injuries and suspensions. Coach Jose Mourinho has announced his call-up of 23 players for the match against Barcelona, which will be played at 9:00 p.m. Among the players who will not be able to participate are the injured Asencio and Rodrygo, the suspended Vinicius and the defender Mendy, whose absence is due to a technical decision by the coaching staff.
Mourinho's selection includes goalkeepers Courtois, Lunin and youth player Mestre, who occupies the third goalkeeper position. In defense are Militao, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger and Dumfries, while the midfield is made up of Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo and the young Thiago, who, although still registered with Castilla, has joined the dynamics of the first team. Up front, Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim and Yan Diomande stand out.
The white team travels to Barcelona the next morning, with plans to land in the city after noon. After the meeting, the delegation will return to Madrid. The call-up reflects Mourinho's need to balance experience with youth, taking advantage of the talent of homegrown players and second division players who have proven their ability in the first team.
The Clásico promises to be a clash of styles and a test of the depth of the Madrid squad. With the absence of several key players, Mourinho will have to rely on the defensive solidity and creativity of his midfield to face a Barcelona that will also have its own losses. The outcome of this clash could influence both teams' position in the league table and set the tone for the rest of the season.