Konaté's partner at centre-back becomes Mourinho's big Real Madrid doubt for El Clásico

Real Madrid visit Camp Nou this Sunday, 25 October, for the first Clásico of the season, a match that kicks off at 21.00 and will be broadcast on DAZN. Mourinho is putting the finishing touches to his preparations at the Ciudad Real Madrid with a line-up that is almost fully defined, although he still has a couple of decisions to make before stepping onto the Barcelona pitch.

• Fede Valverde looks set to start at right-back, a role in which he has already improved the team.
• Tchouaméni is a guaranteed starter in midfield, but his partner is still unclear: Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva and Camavinga are the main candidates.
• In defence, Konaté has a secure place and Mourinho must choose between Rüdiger and Huijsen to complete the back line.
• Rüdiger's knee and Huijsen's ball-playing ability are at the centre of the defensive debate.

Valverde, Mourinho's answer at right-back

One of the doubts the coaching staff had to resolve was who would play at right-back. Everything points to Fede Valverde, converted into a full-back and performing at a level that has convinced the manager. The Uruguayan has made the team better from that position, much more than when he plays as a central midfielder, so unless there is a late surprise, that question appears to be settled.

Tchouaméni's midfield partner remains an open race before El Clásico

Midfield is another area where Mourinho has not fully closed his starting eleven. Tchouaméni looks untouchable and several different profiles are fighting to play next to him. Arda Güler is the favourite, although Bernardo Silva and Camavinga have seen their chances grow in recent hours.

Much of what happens in that position will depend on where the coach uses Güler. If the Turkish player starts as a central midfielder, Mourinho will need to find someone for the right wing. If he is deployed on the right, Bernardo Silva and Camavinga will compete to play alongside Tchouaméni in the double pivot.

Rüdiger or Huijsen: the decision shaping Real Madrid's back line

The centre of defence has become another late doubt. Konaté is guaranteed a place and Mourinho must decide who plays next to him. The choice is between Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen, two centre-backs with very different qualities.

The German offers a greater sense of security and is used to high-pressure matches, but his physical condition, especially his knee, could affect his performance over the full ninety minutes. Huijsen, for his part, stands out for his ball progression and the composure he brings when building from the back, although he can be caught in behind and struggles against quick forwards.

Experience or ball control to take Camp Nou by storm

With that scenario in mind, the Madrid manager must decide whether to rely on Rüdiger's experience or on Huijsen's ability to start moves from the back. It is a significant call for a match in which Real Madrid want to show a brave approach away from home and return from Barcelona with all three points.

The Clásico arrives at an important point of the season, with both teams under pressure to avoid dropping points. For Real Madrid, getting the centre-back pairing and the midfield balance right will be essential to control Barcelona's transitions and impose their own game plan.

Frequently asked questions about Real Madrid's line-up for El Clásico