Barcelona have been hit by an injury crisis at the wrong time, and if the situation does not improve, they could find themselves in trouble by the time El Clasico rolls around at the end of the month.
Xavi’s side will host Real Madrid at Montjuic at the end of October, with Los Blancos currently three points ahead following Barcelona’s draw with Granada at the weekend.
Whilst there is an International break now which should hopefully ease some of the pressure on the squad, a number of players are facing a race against time to get fit again for the highly anticipated grudge match.
Barcelona’s injuries
Seven players who are of starting quality are currently sidelined with various injuries: Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
This list includes two defenders, two midfielders, and two wingers, making the problems even more harsh given that there are fewer alternatives available.
AS have now reported that whilst De Jong and Kounde are definitely set to miss El Clasico, the others are fighting a battle to return in time, with Pedri the closest to returning to action.
Yamal is set to be assessed after being withdrawn against Granada with injury, and Araujo and Raphinha have a chance of returning.
If Xavi can have at least one or two of these options back for the crunch match, then Barcelona will stand a better chance of victory.
Alternative options
If these starters are all absent, then some of the backup players within the squad will need to get up to speed ahead of El Clasico.
Inigo Martinez would have to line up alongside Andreas Christensen at the back, and Oriol Romeu would come in at the base of midfield.
Ferran Torres would start up front if Lewandowski is still injured, but it is still unlikely that Fermin Lopez will get thrown into such a big game unless both Yamal and Raphinha are still unavailable.
Having so many key injuries at the same time is unprecedented, and this crisis may now play a huge part in the La Liga title race.