Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has spoken to the press ahead of El Clasico, with one of the key topics the fitness of the Blaugrana contingent. They will face Real Madrid with six players having been injured up until now, although five of them are in the frame to return.
Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Jules Kounde were all present in Barcelona’s final training session ahead of El Clasico on Friday, but only Lewandowski is expected to make the squad. Xavi refused to rule out any of their players, including Pedri.
“Everyone wants to force themselves to play. But the coaching staff doesn’t want to force anyone. They are committed to the team. We’ll see tomorrow.”
While he was coy on Lewandowski’s chances of making it.
“I won’t give any hints about the lineup, but he’s fine.”
In general, he was optimistic about the injured squadron, who returned earlier than expected.
“They surprised me too. Everyone wants to be there, we’ll see tomorrow. The feeling is very good. The squad list will be tomorrow. We’ll see how they felt. That everyone is available is fantastic.”
He was clear that they weere all available for selection too, though, when only Raphinha was expected to be present.