Barcelona have the odds stacked against them for the upcoming El Clasico due to their depleted squad plagued with injuries.
Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri, Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto are in the treatment room.
The injury crisis has also struck Barca at a critical time, with the game against arch-rivals Real Madrid set to be played this weekend.
However, the Catalans are optimistic that some of their injured stars will return for the gigantic clash.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski, De Jong and Raphinha could be available as they are showing positive signs in their recovery.
Kounde and Roberto are definitively ruled out, while there are doubts over the participation of Pedri in what could be a major blow.
Everything indicated that the Spanish midfielder would be fit for Clasico after two months out, but it is now being reported that he has fallen behind in his recovery.
Lewandowski, who sustained an ankle injury in the Champions League game against Porto, is determined to make it to El Clasico.
Barca have kept their performances intact despite their injury woes, recording a narrow 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga last weekend to extend their undefeated run across all competitions.
Xavi’s trust in the reserve team has also paid dividends, with Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Marc Guiu stepping up with exceptional performances.
Guiu had a remarkable debut against Athletic Club, scoring seconds after coming off the bench.
The 17-year-old became the youngest ever in Barca’s history to score on his debut and also the fastest player to score his maiden goal.
