De Jong missed training with GI issues, expected available for El Clásico

Frenkie de Jong was the notable absentee from Thursday's training session. 

The Dutchman did not train with the group due to gastroenteritis. He is expected to be fit enough for Sunday's match against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, although his progress will have to be monitored in the coming days. Center back Andreas Christensen also did not train with the group, also suffering from gastroenteritis, which already prevented him from playing against Olympiacos.

Two absences are keeping Hansi Flick in suspense, especially Frenkie, who was almost certain to start in El Clásico, alongside Pedri and Fermín in midfield.

In any case, it's not all bad news for Barça: Raphinha continues to progress favorably and is expected to be given the all-clear this Saturday so he can be included in the squad for the trip to Madrid, while Ferran Torres has fully recovered from his hamstring strain, so he could even be in the starting lineup on Sunday.