On Saturday, FC Barcelona will host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season. The Catalans have some injury worries. Who is about to make a comeback – and who will be tight.
At least: one player from Barcelona’s half-dozen injured list should be back against Real on Saturday. In the case of Raphinha, Xavi expressed optimism that the Brazilian will be able to join in the mix, with him taking part in the Catalans’ training again on Thursday.
The Barcelona coach has other worries. First and foremost, of course, Robert Lewandowski, who has now been out of action for three weeks due to his ankle injury. According to the Marca, however, he will “most likely” be in the squad. It remains to be seen in this regard, however, whether he can train with the team tomorrow, Friday.
The same applies to Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has been absent since the end of September due to an ankle injury, and for him, too, it’s a case of “wait and see” until Friday. Both players took part in the warm-up and other training exercises on Thursday.
And then there is also Pedri, who has been missing the Catalans for over two months now due to a thigh injury. Hopes were high that the 20-year-old would be able to make his comeback for the Clasico, but that is looking increasingly unlikely. Pedri is still not in team training, the long downtime combined with the notable opponent make a return look extremely unlikely.
There was a warning for Joao Felix, who was substituted in the 75th minute of the 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. However, his slight hip problems will not prevent him from playing against the Royals. Gavi will also return to the squad after his international suspension.
On the other hand, there is no more hope for Jules Koundé and Sergi Roberto. Both are out for the game, as Xavi himself explained in a press conference. So it’s quite possible that Xavi will have to rely on some of the young guns again, as he did in the last two games.
