Martino has three doubts

Tata Martino is seen as holding doubts over three positions in his Barcelona team ahead of welcoming Real Madrid to the Camp Nou.

For Week 10’s Clasico in Catalonia, Martino is primarily facing question marks over the availability of Gerard Pique.

Confirmed earlier in the week as having suffered a hamstring strain against Milan, the defender has been placed on an individual training routine for the rest of the week and reports are that he is looking increasingly unlikely to make Saturday evening’s game.

Subsequently, Carles Puyol is believed in contention for only his second start for Barca after a seven-month lay-off, with Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves and Adriano completing a back-line in front of Victor Valdes.

Meanwhile, midfield sees Cesc Fabregas apparently in contention to replace one of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta to complete a midfield trio with the other one and Sergio Busquets. Mundo Deportivo see the duel for a place as between Fabregas and Iniesta in particular.

At the same time, attack reportedly has Pedro Rodriguez in with a shout of displacing Alexis Sanchez on the wing, to work alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.

However, speculation is also that the midfield battle for positions may see Fabregas take the third attacking role instead.

Tags Clasico Fabregas Iniesta Martino Pedro Pique Puyol
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