The buildup to El Clasico begins for FC Barcelona as October reaches its end. The game the world stops to watch, and it will be one where both sides will give everything. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona await the 28th of October, albeit with some worries.
For La Blaugrana, the clash against Real Madrid showcases opportunity. Currently three points behind their Clasico rivals, Barça will be hoping that when all is said and done, they regain the top spot after their clash. However, La Blaugrana has several injuries to worry about.
Dutch casualty
One of the key injuries is that of Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong. The 26-year-old Barcelona captain suffered an injury to the distal tibioperoneal syndesmosis of his right ankle. Since then, he has had to keep a protective splint on in order to allow his body to heal.
Road to El Clasico
As a result, much of the possibility of his return to El Clasico depended upon his recovery after its removal. Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Dutchman has just had his splint removed during the last hours or so. As such, the player will now gradually begin physical recovery and proper grasswork.
While by no means will this guarantee his arrival, as many reports claim that he will not end up featuring, it does bring about a sense of hope. At Barcelona, they continue to hope. His recovery in the coming days will be crucial to his hopes of making it against Real Madrid.
Rest of the Cavalry
For now, MD believes that if he even makes the squad list by then, it would be a huge success. An integral midfielder for Xavi Hernandez, the Catalan coach expects a lot of his midfield maestro.
Others such as Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde all remain injured. However, barring Kounde, Barcelona expect to have almost all of the others available in time for El Clasico if things go smoothly.
