Real Madrid are currently in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, of which they have had multiple in the last few years. Currently, Xabi Alonso is without five options for his backline ahead of El Clasico this weekend, and there has been fears that this list could be added to.

David Alaba’s recent injury setback meant that he has joined Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen on the injury list, and this also meant that Eder Militao and Raul Asencio are Real Madrid’s only natural centre-back options for the time being – although Aurelien Tchouameni and Alvaro Carreras can play there if necessary.

And this was necessary for the final minutes of Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Juventus, as Carreras was forced to move into centre-back after Asencio was forced off late on at the Santiago Bernabeu. That sparked fears of another injury blow for Real Madrid, although these have since been allayed.

According to Mario Cortegana, Asencio was forced off against Juventus after suffering with cramp, and initial examinations suggest that he has not suffered any injury. As such, he should be available to face Barcelona this weekend, as long as there are no adverse effects in the coming days.

Asencio may be needed from the start in El Clasico

It is good news for Real Madrid that Asencio is okay, especially given that he looked back to his best against Juventus following a rough spell. He may be needed to play from the start in El Clasico as there is uncertainty about whether Dean Huijsen will be able to make a return in time to face Barcelona on Sunday.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Huijsen will receive the medical green light, but if not, the silver lining would be that Asencio is available.