Barcelona missing two players for Real Madrid contest

Pedri has been unnoticed of the Barcelona squad for Sunday’s La Liga conflict with Real Madrid.

The Spain worldwide has missed the workforce’s final six matches with the hamstring downside that he picked up in opposition to Manchester United within the Europa League final month.

Pedri has just lately returned to first-team coaching, and he had been anticipated to return in El Clasico.

The 20-year-old suffered a health setback throughout Friday’s coaching session, although, and the important thing midfielder has subsequently been unnoticed of the squad for the important thing league fixture.

Pedri is joined on the sidelines by Ousmane Dembele, with the France worldwide not but able to return from a hamstring downside of his personal.

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In consequence, there is only one returning participant from the squad that took half in opposition to Athletic Bilbao final weekend, with Ronald Araujo again within the choice following a suspension.

Talking throughout his press convention on Saturday afternoon, Barcelona boss Xavi revealed that he was not ready to threat Pedri except he was 100%.

“These are matches the place it’s essential be at 100%. If the sentiments will not be good, there is no such thing as a must impose something. It’s not a ultimate match and there’ll nonetheless be 12 matches left, it’s not decisive. We do not need to lose Pedri for one other two months,” mentioned the supervisor.

“We will rise to the most effective degree even within the absence of Pedri and Dembele. We did that earlier than with the absence of [Robert] Lewandowski and Pedri.”

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Barcelona are at present 9 factors away from second-placed Real Madrid on the prime of the desk, so a victory on Sunday would put them in a commanding place heading into the ultimate straight.

“We are going to attempt to have management with the ball. We need to be higher than the Copa del Rey match. Real Madrid have been doing very nicely recently,” mentioned Xavi when requested about El Clasico.

“I believe it is 50-50. We have now our followers and they’ll help us, however I believe tomorrow’s sport is 50% for each groups. If we win tomorrow, it’s going to be a vital victory. It definitely won’t resolve the league, although.”

Barcelona’s current elimination from the Europa League implies that they haven’t been in motion since recording a 1-0 victory over Athletic within the league final Sunday, with Raphinha netting the one objective of the contest.

Barcelona squad vs. Real Madrid:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Araujo, Christensen, Alonso, Alba, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Gavi, Kessie, Roberto, De Jong, Torre; Alarcon, Raphinha, F Torres, Fati, Lewandowski