With four hours to go until the first Clasico of the season gets underway at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has finally announced his squad for the blockbuster clash.
In it, there are a couple of surprises. The good one is Jules Kounde, who has been included despite being expected to miss out after suffering a knee injury against Granada earlier this month. He could now be in contention to start alongside Andreas Christensen, with Ronald Araujo likely to move to right-back.
However, the bad news is that Frenkie de Jong hasn’t made it, despite reports that he would be available after making his return to training earlier this week. Xavi has decided against risking the Dutchman, and the same can be said for Pedri, who also isn’t included.
Our squad list for #ElClásico! 👊 pic.twitter.com/V1C9oWLBzf
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 28, 2023
Raphinha is also included, as is Robert Lewandowski, although both players were expected to be in the squad after recovering from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
There’s no doubt that Kounde’s return is a massive boost for Barcelona, especially if he is fit enough to start. Alternately, de Jong’s absence is a blow, especially considering the strength of Real Madrid’s midfield.
I read nick batlle articulate on el clasico match he said it all,he really define xavi as a coach,excellent Nick, about he mention xavi take correction and work on it,I disagree to that,in d case of balde,Balde is a small brain when he over lap he doesn’t bring his head down instead of cutting d ball back in the 18yard to look up to his team like the way big players do,he always looking for last touch across d line even nobody was to make last touch but nobody is guiding him among xavi family