Barcelona winger in doubt for Real Madrid clash, club will not take risk

Slowly but surely, Barcelona players are starting to make their return from injuries as we brace ourselves for an important juncture of the season.

Recent reports suggest both Pedri and Robert Lewandowski could be in contention to feature against Real Madrid, whereas Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal could make their returns sooner.

However, one player who is still struggling to mark his return to the pitch is Raphinha, who had gone down with a hamstring injury last month.

A new stage of recovery

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered a rather damning update on the fitness of Raphinha.

It appears the Brazilian has started a new stage of recovery, as he rushes to get back on the pitch.

When the forward initially picked up the injury at the end of September, he was ruled out for a period of up to 4 weeks. Raphinha’s injury will hit four weeks a day before El Clasico.

But as of now, there are no indicators that the former Leeds United starlet might feature against Los Blancos.

Fear of potential relapse

As a matter of fact, there is a fear of a potential relapse if Raphinha rushes his return to the pitch. That is why Barcelona are proceeding with utmost caution.

Raphinha himself has acknowledged that he should not rush his return, although the forward is very much trying to shorten his deadline.

As per SPORT, a clearer update on Raphinha’s fitness and his potential presence against Real Madrid can be available next week.

Even if Raphinha becomes available, though, it will not be surprising to see the Brazilian only playing a bit-part role in El Clasico, as Barça look to avoid any potential relapse.