Injury update: Barcelona could recover two stars next week, Christensen to return vs Bayern

Heading into the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid, Barcelona have been handed an injury boost. Manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed in his pre-match presser that Jules Kounde is 100% fit and ready for the encounter.

And, Barça could be greeted with more good news on the injury front over the next few days, if an update from AS journalist Javi Miguel is to be believed.

As per the report, Barcelona will likely welcome back Memphis Depay in time for their La Liga clash against Villarreal next Thursday. Furthermore, Hector Bellerin could also be in line for a return next Sunday when they face Athletic Club.

Finally, the journalist adds that Andreas Christensen is penned in to make a comeback for the Blaugrana when they take on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League the subsequent week.

The potential triple boost will come as a major relief for Barcelona, who have been hampered by the injuries, especially in the defensive department.

With Ronald Araujo also sidelined, Xavi has had to rely on Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia, and the former was subpar in the contest against Inter Milan, leading to calls to axe him.

With Kounde back in the reckoning, the 23-year-old is very much likely to start ahead of Pique in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Depay, who was one of the many international break injury casualties for Barça could be available for the vital clash against Villarreal in La Liga next week.

It was expected that Bellerin, too, could be back for the encounter against the Yellow Submarine. But Miguel is claiming that the Spaniard would most likely return in time for the match versus Athletic Club, providing Xavi with a natural right-back option.

Finally, Christensen, who sustained an ankle injury in the UEFA Champions League match versus Inter Milan last week, is being tipped to receive his medical clearance in time for the Bayern Munich clash on October 26.

The Dane had performed steadily so far this term until injury struck and his return, in the continued absence of Araujo, will be another positive for Barcelona.