After a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona will focus on the UEFA Champions League as they prepare to take on Shakhtar Donetsk in their third clash in Group H. With two wins in two European matches, their side Xavi Hernandez is at the top of the rankings.
According to SPORT, there is a very high possibility that key midfielder Pedri can return from injury and will play a few minutes. The 20-year-old has been sidelined since late August with a thigh injury, but he is said to have fully recovered at this point. However, Barcelona is taking extreme precautions with Pedri due to concerns about the possibility of a relapse.
Xavi will rotate the squad before El Clasico.
Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto certainly won’t be able to play in the match against Real Madrid, but Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski could return in time for El Clasico.
Another information from SPORT shows Barcelona may rest young defender Alejandro Balde in the match against Shakhtar Donetsk to help him get ready for the big match against Real Madrid. Balde is facing some muscle damage during FIFA Days. However, he still started and played well in the Bilbao match last weekend, before making way for Marcos Alonso.
Xavi explained after the match that the 20-year-old’s substitution was not due to any fitness concerns, saying: “Balde was not injured. He’s just tired.”
Dang Nguyen | 09:47 October 25, 2023
