Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of El Clasico against Barcelona

Real Madrid face an unexpected defensive crisis as talented duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have both been ruled out for the much-anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona.

With top spot in La Liga at stake, manager Xabi Alonso must now reshuffle his backline, relying on less experienced options against a dangerous Barcelona attack.

Rudiger continues his recovery from a muscle injury, sidelined since September’s international break and is not expected back until late December. Alaba, meanwhile, picked up a calf issue in last week’s match versus Getafe and will only return for the Valencia fixture in early November.

Both defenders missed the crucial final training session, leaving Alonso to patch together a defense short of two anchors. The absences come at a time when Real Madrid is in superb form, leading the league by two points and chasing a fifth consecutive victory.

Despite confident momentum heading into one of football’s greatest rivalries, Madrid’s depth will be seriously tested as the club seeks solutions to keep their title march on track.​