Once club football returns from international break in less than two weeks time, for Real Madrid, it is big game after big game after big game. Los Blancos have games against Juventus, Barcelona, and Liverpool on the horizon and after the solid start to the season, fans are expecting to come away with wins in every game.
The most notable of the upcoming matches is no doubt El Clasico. A matchup with Barcelona this early in the season could have huge implications for the outcome of the league in 2026. Los Blancos currently sit just two points ahead of Barcelona in the table and hope to make a statement against their bitter rivals.
This matchup seems to have a different feel about it compared to recent Clasico's. With Xabi Alonso as the new Real Madrid manager, and both teams dealing with injury issues, this game could play out in a different way then many are expecting.
Most of starting lineups pick themselves, however, for Barca there is one big question mark for Hasi Flick, who will be starting in goal for the defending champions? And for the German coach, it seems one player may have ruled himself out of playing against Los Blancos.
One Barcelona player just made himself unavailable to face Real Madrid
While speaking with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny all but ruled himself out from being Barca's starting goalkeeper when El Clasico rolls around later this month saying:
"I sincerely wish Joan Garcia a speedy recovery. And I don't expect to play in the Clásico. I hoped to be the second-choice goalkeeper, but that comes with the risk of becoming a starter. I have no doubt who will be, and who should be, Barcelona's starting goalkeeper."Wojciech Szczesny
Szczesny has been Barcelona's starting goalkeeper for their last three matches as starting keeper Joan Garcia is out after having surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. In Garcia's absence the club has lost two of the three games with Szczesny including a 2-1 loss to PSG, and a 4-1 loss to Sevilla. The Spaniard has been rehabbing his injury and is aiming to make his return in time for the Clasico on October 26th.
The Pole seems to have accepted his role as backup keeper, with the club fully investing in Joan Garcia as their long-term keeper. However, Szczesny may be being too hard on himself. Given the Clasico is quickly approaching, and Garcia would still have to return to match fitness, the Pole could be surprised himself with a start at the Bernabeu later this month.