Barcelona are set to lock horns with Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday in the first El Clasico of the season.
The Catalan giants enter the contest amid plenty of injury concerns, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Pedri and Sergi Roberto currently sidelined.
However, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri, De Jong and Kounde trained with the first team today.
Barca manager Xavi continues to keep the cards close to his chest, but he suggested some of the injured stars could feature in the Clasico.
“He [Lewy] is fine, his feelings are good – I will not advance the line-up nor will I give clues, but he is fine and tomorrow I will decide,” Xavi told the press (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“This afternoon how they felt after training. That everyone is willing to be available is fantastic.
“Everyone has good feelings and wants to be there, but the staff and the medical team do not want to force anyone. They want to be there out of commitment but we will see – tomorrow we will decide.”
Recent reports suggest that Lewandowski and Raphinha could start in El Clasico, but Pedri and De Jong’s availability is doubtful.
Xavi also outlined the plans to deal with the threat posed by Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior.
“We have Cancelo to stop Vinicius – it’s his natural position, tomorrow we’ll see – we’ll have several alternatives, and we’ll decide,” added Xavi (h/t Barca Universal).
The Blaugrana manager also weighed in on the qualities of Jude Bellingham and Joao Felix, stating that both are decisive, technically strong and difference-makers.
“Both are equally important – both are and can be decisive for their team – let’s hope that tomorrow it will be more of Joao,” Xavi said.
Bellingham poses a significant threat to the Catalan giants as he has been in unstoppable form this season, scoring 11 times in all competitions.
Felix has been instrumental to Barca’s undefeated run, racking up three goals and three assists.
However, the Portuguese forward hasn’t scored a goal against Los Blancos in his career, and he will look to break that jinx on Saturday.
