FC Barcelona are slated to take on several key opponents following the conclusion of the ongoing international break. With games up ahead involving a contest against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga EA Sports and against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona are going to be very occupied.
However, the most integral of fixtures after the international break is surely the El Clasico. Slated to take place at the Montjuic Stadium on the 28th of October, the Spanish ‘Classic’ will have a huge say on the league standings by the end of this month.
As such, Barcelona would ideally have wanted their full squad available for the clash. However, the Catalans unfortunately will not be able to count on several key players by the 28th of October if things stay as they are.
Despite this, Mundo Deportivo reveals the extent of recovery left for each of the six currently injured Barcelona stars in relevance to their availability for the Clasico.
The six stars in question are French defender Jules Kounde, Dutchman Frenkie De Jong, Brazilian Raphinha, Spaniards Lamine Yamal and Pedri, as well as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
Jules Kounde (Unavailable)
The French defender is the only absolute in terms of absentees when it will come to the El Clasico. A recent injury to his MCL will render him unfit to compete anytime soon and it is reported that he will remain on the sidelines for at least a month if not longer.
Robert Lewandowski (Uncertain)
The Polish striker suffered an ankle injury against FC Porto. Since then, varying reports have come out regarding his recovery. Many initially stated that he would miss the El Clasico but SPORT recently revealed that he may just end up featuring against Real Madrid if things go to plan.
Lamine Yamal (Available)
Xavi claimed that the 16-year-old felt some minor discomfort while playing against Granada. However, if recent updates are to be believed, the discomfort is nothing serious and the young La Masia gem is expected to be fully fit for the Clasico and even the games prior to it.
Raphinha (Available)
The Brazilian was the victim of an injury suffered against Sevilla during a La Liga clash. Having worked on his recovery since, many expect Raphinha to be among the very first of the injured six that end up making their return after the international break.
Frenkie De Jong (Difficult)
The Dutch midfielder’s case also looks to be a bit difficult to comprehend. While not completely impossible, his return seems quite improbable to take place before the El Clasico. Currently wearing protective gear on one leg and having not resumed footballing activities, it will have to be seen how his injury develops.
Pedri (Available)
The 20-year-old Barcelona gem was among the very first to be injured. Suffering an injury during a training session in August, the young Canary Islander is expected to soon rejoin the team. Having begun work with the ball and training properly, it seems only to be a matter of time before he makes his return.
