As the highly anticipated LaLiga ‘El Clasico’ approaches, Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, is grappling with a growing list of injury concerns that could jeopardize his team’s chances against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

In a bid to address their injury crisis, Xavi was compelled to call up eight academy players for the recent Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. The Catalan side is currently contending with injuries to eight crucial players, including the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona, however, managed to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Shakhtar, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of 20-year-old Fermin Lopez, who is increasingly becoming a regular presence in the starting lineup. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet. 

Earlier reports had hinted at the possibility of last season’s LaLiga top scorer, Lewandowski, and midfielder Frenkie De Jong recovering ahead of schedule. Nevertheless, they remain in a race against time to regain their fitness for El Clasico.

Unfortunately, Barcelona has already ruled out key players such as defender Jules Kounde, along with midfielders Pedri and Sergi Roberto for the upcoming match.

Amidst these concerns, the club is holding onto the hope that winger Raphinha will be available for the encounter. It’s worth noting that Barcelona expects a sell-out crowd for this match, as they are playing at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium due to ongoing renovations at Camp Nou.

Barcelona faced yet another injury scare during the Shakhtar match when forward Joao Felix appeared to sustain a hip injury in the second half. However, the Portuguese forward later reassured fans on social media that he is “fine.”

Xavi emphasized the importance of players being in peak condition, stating, “We won’t force anyone. It’s a match in which we need to be at 100%. It is a matter of how each of the players feels. Everyone is eager to take part and contribute. Everyone is doing their part to make it to the Clasico.”

On the other side of the rivalry, Real Madrid is also contending with injury setbacks, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao out for the season due to knee ligament tears. Additionally, new signing Arda Gueler has yet to make his debut.

English midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been a standout player this season with 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions, sustained a thigh pull during Real Madrid’s recent Champions League win against Braga. Despite this setback, coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism that Bellingham would recover in time.

As the La Liga standings currently stand, Real Madrid leads the pack, level with Girona at 25 points from 10 games. Barcelona follows closely behind in third place with 24 points, maintaining a two-point advantage over Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand. The stage is set for an intense and injury-plagued El Clasico showdown. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.