Barcelona growing optimistic about injured superstar’s availability against Real Madrid

Journalist Javi Miguel has reported via AS that Barcelona have excluded the option of treating veteran forward Robert Lewandowski with painkillers. Instead, he will gradually mark his return now that he is not feeling any discomfort in his ankle.

As a result, the journalist affirms that Lewandowski is now rapidly progressing in his efforts to make it to the El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 28.

As per the latest development, his recent recovery has been nothing short of remarkable and he is experiencing minimal discomfort in his left ankle, and in the coming days, he is expected to begin on-field training.

No forceful return to action

Now, it’s still two weeks before Barcelona take on Real Madrid and the team acknowledges a sense of “cautious optimism” regarding the possibility of his timely recovery.

It’s clear that they won’t rush his recovery, emphasizing that there will be no pressure to force him back into action. Consequently, the idea of resorting to injections or infiltrations to enable his participation in the game has been firmly discarded.

In a recent interview, Lewandowski himself acknowledged the surprising pace of his recovery, surpassing initial expectations. “The doctors are surprised because the recovery is going much better than expected,” he said.

Originally, the prognosis had him sidelined for around four weeks after sustaining an injury against FC Porto, but it seems that the recovery timeline could be shortened by at least a week.

Barcelona also expecting Raphinha to be available

For what it is worth, optimism within the Barcelona management isn’t limited to Lewandowski alone; it extends to Raphinha as well. 

The Brazilian forward suffered a tear in the femoral biceps of his right leg at the end of September, with an initial prognosis of four to five weeks on the sidelines. 

However, his recovery is progressing so well that nobody at the club is willing to rule him out for the Clasico.

All this comes as exciting news for Barcelona, with even Pedri aiming to return well in time for the Real Madrid game.

So if this goes as planned, Xavi will only have two confirmed absences against Madrid, namely, Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde.