FC Barcelona now endure the final hours before they finally welcome Real Madrid to the Montjuic Stadium. The Catalan giants will be hoping to dominate play and ensure victory against their Clasico rivals. However, heading into this game, there were some uncertainties within the Barcelona camp.
The main concern was that of the injured players and their availability for the game. While the likes of Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde are completely ruled out, there are others who had a much more plausible chance of reaching the game. Among them, three names generated the most anticipation in terms of their respective recoveries.
Anticipated returns
Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, and Brazilian winger Raphinha were all working against the clock to make it in time for El Clasico. Now, after days of anticipation, a much clearer picture is there to see.
According to journalist Javi Miguel, FC Barcelona could be welcoming back all three key players. While the case of Raphinha is almost guaranteed, both Frenkie De Jong and Robert Lewandowski continue to showcase positive progressions.
Best-case scenarios
As Miguel puts it, there are even chances for Lewandowski to start the game in the best-case scenario. His ankle injury would thus have completely healed if that is to be the case. On the other hand, Frenkie De Jong’s incorporation would be as a substitute.
However, even if he manages to make the squad list, it will be seen as a ‘miraculous’ recovery considering the prognosis for his injury initially kept him on the sidelines for longer. Moreover, both Lewandowski and De Jong have showcased their commitment in another way as well.
Extreme levels of commitment
Javi Miguel states that both players are even on board to take painkillers and be ‘infiltrated’ in order to be available. While it would be beneficial for everyone if such extreme measures were not to be taken, it still showcases the absolute determination of this Barcelona team and its players.
For now, a lot will depend on the upcoming training session. Raphinha participated in the latest one with the group, both the Pole and Dutch stars only completed the initial part of it. However, they did complete individual sessions apart from that.
The goal is to have them complete the next one with the group without any setbacks, as that would be the first real step towards making it in time to play Real Madrid.
