The Spanish El Clasico awaits FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the end of the month. Set to take place on the 28th of October, the Montjuic Stadium heavily anticipates the clash.
A match of significant prominence and value, it holds the key to several locks. With only three points separating the two Clasico giants at the moment, their next meeting could be crucial.
In the scenario that they both win their games leading up to the Clasico, both teams could either close their gap or widen it to a great extent.
As a result, Xavi will want his team to be at their best for the grand matchup. However, it just so happens that several key Barcelona stars are currently injured and recovering. Seven names currently occupy the injury list, and each of them is of vital importance to Xavi Hernandez.
Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde are all in the process of recovering from their respective injuries. With the El Clasico looming large, SPORT decided to highlight their individual updates for the game.
Pedri
The young 20-year-old will almost certainly be available for the clash against Real Madrid. Expected to be back right after the international break, he could get minutes leading up to the match as well. With games against Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk coming up before the Clasico, Pedri could get time to readjust during those games.
Raphinha
The Brazilian winger is another who is expected to return after the international break. While his inclusion to face Real Madrid is not exactly guaranteed, signs look very positive in terms of seeing him make the Clasico in time.
Lamine Yamal
16-year-old Lamine Yamal felt discomfort following the game against Granada. Before even partaking in any game with Spain however, he was sent back due to the same discomfort. Despite that, his recovery is not expected to take long and he should be back in time to resume from the get-go once the international break concludes.
Alejandro Balde
The latest of the players added to the injury list. Alejandro Balde faced some discomfort in his adductors following Spain’s match against Scotland. However now that he has returned to Barcelona, his recovery is set to take around 10-12 days and he should be available for the Clasico without any issues.
Jules Kounde
Kounde’s injury is a bit more concerning. Taking place as a strain in his MCL, he is expected to stay in recovery until November. This means that he is almost certainly set to miss the clash against Real Madrid but the Frenchman should be back soon enough after his recovery of around a month concludes.
Robert Lewandowski
The Polish ace suffered an ankle injury against Porto in the UEFA Champions League. His recovery is going smoothly, as he confirmed, and the optimism regarding his participation in the El Clasico is high, there is still absolute clarity that the 35-year-old striker will not be risked if his inclusion is not safe beyond doubt.
Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman’s case is similar to that of Jules Kounde’s. While not the same injury, his return is expected to take place in November.
Despite reports still suggesting that he may just make it in time for the El Clasico, the progression of his recovery will first have to be assessed to make any clear judgments on that matter. It continues smoothly and safely, but to rush it would be a bad call and Barça is aware of that.
With less than half a month left to the clash itself, Barcelona will have to begin preparations soon. Several youngsters continue to train with the first team, but the real test will begin once the international players return.
Currently third while Real Madrid remains top of La Liga, Barcelona will be aching to have a go at reclaiming that spot for themselves.
