El Clasico is fast approaching, and Barcelona want to be fully prepared for the crucial encounter. Real Madrid are set to visit the Montjuic Stadium on the 28th of October to reunite with their eternal rivals. According to Xavi, Barcelona have their issues heading into the game, but those will not deter them.
Moreover, Xavi has another trick up his sleeve to confuse Barça’s visiting rivals. Given the current injury list, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha, Frenkie De Jong, Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto still sidelined, there is uncertainty about the availability of said players for Barcelona against Los Blancos.
Delayed squad reveal
As a result, according to SPORT, Xavi has the idea to delay announcing his squad list. This would give Barcelona more time to finalize the squad to face off against Madrid. More importantly, it would then let him finalize the players that could return from injury and ultimately make the playing squad itself.
Consequently, it would also leave Carlo Ancellotti uncertain about specific game plans. By not being aware of the calvary at the disposal of Xavi, Los Blancos would not be given the benefit of the doubt.
Key details are essential in big matches, and by prolonging the squad reveal until as late as possible, Xavi would be doing his best to give no additional advantage to their El Clasico opponents.
Eyes on Shakhtar
As it stands, the game against Shakhtar Donetsk is up next for FC Barcelona. None of the currently injured stars have managed to make the squad list for this game.
The UEFA Champions League encounter will have to be dealt with despite the absences. Moving forward, however, the Clasico could see some of them return.
Possible returns
Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto are definitely ruled out. However, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and De Jong all may have a chance at featuring. The training session before the game itself will determine who can possibly make the game and who still is not ready to come through.
Having at least some of those players available could be a significant boost for Barça. In his latest press conference, Xavi was even optimistic about recovering some of the sidelined stars. It will ultimately have to be seen when the game is close, for now, Barcelona will keep their attention towards the UEFA Champions League.
