El Clasico is just around the corner but even the most staunch FC Barcelona fans still do not have a clear idea of which players can be fielded for this match. The confusion comes mainly from the injuries to some of the most trusted players for Xavi and their returns from injury just a few days before the match.
Players like Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski have all been unavailable for Xavi for the last few weeks because of the various injuries they have been suffering.
However, as already reported here, all five of these players have trained with the first team in the training sessions for the match against Real Madrid.
Lewandowski aiming to play against Real Madrid
Still, as they have all only just returned from injuries, they would ideally need some time to get back into their best shape. But this time is not available for Xavi as the match against Real Madrid is the most important one from a sporting perspective.
Thus, Xavi will be hoping to go into the match with as much strength as possible, and according to SPORT, the Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski, is also aiming to start the match on Saturday if he is feeling good enough to feature in such a physically demanding match.
Lewandowski will start if he is fit
Lewandowski has already discussed with Xavi the possibility of his inclusion in the match, and if he is fit enough to make the squad for this game, Xavi will go on to start him and not bring him as a substitute.
The Pole has been working extremely hard in the last few days to ensure he can feature in one of the biggest matches in world football. He has been optimistic about his chances, and his work in the last few days has confirmed his positive feelings.
Xavi realizes that having Lewandowski in the team can have significant implications for the match. He will not only provide the team with a clear reference at the top but will also be a morale hit for the opponents, as any defender would naturally rather face someone else than one of the deadliest strikers in the world.
