Barcelona star expected to be fit for Real Madrid clash after missing Arsenal game

Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States of America began on a disappointing note as they were beaten 3-5 by Arsenal in their first friendly on Wednesday night.

Xavi used almost all his first-team players on the night at the SoFi Stadium while there were minutes for young talents such as Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal as well.

The first-teamers who did not feature on the night were new signing Inigo Martinez, returning loanee Clement Lenglet, and Golden Boy Gavi.

While Martinez is still recovering from the leg injury he picked up last season, Xavi confirmed after the game that Gavi and Lenglet missed the game due to some minor discomforts.

“Gavi didn’t play due to some back pain, Lenglet also has discomfort,” he said.

Gavi likely to be available for El Clasico

Barcelona take on arch-rivals Real Madrid next in a pre-season El Clasico and according to AS, there is a very good chance that Gavi will recover from his back issue and be available for the game.

It has been a tough start to the pre-season for Xavi, after all the 18-year-old midfield prodigy had been dealing with a stomach bug prior to the trip to the US.

He had since recovered fully but a minor back issue led to him missing the game against Arsenal.

However, the aforementioned report states that it is unlikely to prevent the La Masia graduate from playing against Real Madrid, which is good news for the Blaugrana.

After all, Gavi has grown into a vital component in Xavi’s side despite his young age, as indicated by the fact that he played 49 games last season, scoring three and assisting seven goals.

Barcelona will lock horns with Carlo Ancelotti’s men at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday night.