Just four days remain before Barcelona and Real Madrid square off in the first El Clasico of the 2023–24 campaign, and Xavi Hernandez and company are still worried about the availability of several of their most important players.
Due to injuries, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Sergi Roberto are all expected to miss Saturday's pivotal match.
Xavi is optimistic that at least two of the injured players will recover in time for Real Madrid's visit to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Robert Lewandowski is keen to play. Reports earlier this week suggested that even though Robert Lewandowski's recovery is going according to plans, the 35-year-old striker is facing a race against time to be fit for the Clasico. Kounde and Roberto are practically ruled out of the match, and Pedri's involvement is also beginning to seem improbable with each passing game.
As of right now, the Poland captain is still striving to be eligible to play Real Madrid, according to Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo.
On the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League, Lewandowski hurt his ankle against Porto, but he is now fully recovered and eager to play in the Clasico.
According to the article, the experienced center-forward's only option is to get an injection of a painkiller to temporarily relieve the affected area's agony.
How about the other people?
Since late August, Pedri has been unable to exercise due to a muscular injury; nonetheless, he has not yet made a full recovery.
He questions the Canary Islander's availability for El Clasico, though, saying his affections aren't strong enough for him to take the necessary action.
Compared to Lewandowski, De Jong's ankle injury is more complicated, and while he is still able to play, the Dutchman is less willing to take chances when he is in agony.
Raphinha, who is eager to participate despite having a muscular ailment, isn't either.
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