Barcelona star midfielder will not start vs Real Madrid, could come off the bench

El Clasico is on the horizon. Less than two weeks remains before Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns for the first time this season, and Xavi Hernandez’s side have good reason to be optimistic for the big day.

The biggest hurdle for the Catalan giants, however, is the long injury list. Barcelona have seven players injured, all of whom are in different stages of recovery.

SPORT provides an update on the situation of Pedri Gonzalez and his availability for El Clasico.

Not a starter

According to the outlet, Pedri is expected to be available to play against Real Madrid at Montjuic. 

However, he is likely to start on the bench to avoid risking any relapse. He could come on as an impact subside if the match situation demands it.

The Golde Boy Award winner would normally be the first name on Xavi’s starting lineup. His recent history with hamstring injuries and relapses, however, prompts the club to take a cautious approach.

The 20-year-old prodigy began training with the ball earlier this month and was expected to be back in time to face Athletic Club. 

His involvement against the Basque side and Shakhtar Donetsk is not ruled out but will depend on the results of the regular MRI scans he undergoes. In any case, they will be sparse minutes.

Seven players injured

As it stands, Barcelona have seven players injured, all of whom are fighting to make it in time for the Clasico.

Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde are definitively ruled out for the game. 

Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha are well-placed to make a return. Their recovery will determine their availability. Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, remains a doubt.

Xavi thus has his work cut out for the big game against Carlo Ancelotti’s side. But again, his record in El Clasicos is stupendous and not many would bet against him to come up with a novel plan.