FC Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2026/27 season, winning all eight of their matches so far – seven in La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League.

But once the Catalans return to action after the international break, they stare at some huge challenges ahead of them, including two of the biggest fixtures on the calendar – the UCL clash against PSG and the La Liga El Clasico vs Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick’s side have been in rampant form and will be eager to get bragging rights over their rivals in both the matches.

However, Real Madrid might not arrive for the big game at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25 at full-strength.

Indeed, defender Raul Asencio could be out of the first El Clasico of the current season as he is close to undergoing a surgery, reports MARCA .

The Spanish defender has been dealing with a broken tibia since January and has been managing the issue with conservative treatment without having to go under the knife.

Asencio expected to miss El Clasico. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The problem, though, has not improved as expected and continues to trouble the Real Madrid academy man.