Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez has been handed a huge injury blow ahead of tomorrow’s Copa Del Rey semi final first leg match against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski will be unavailable for the El Clasico, after it was confirmed on Monday that the 34-year-old has picked up an hamstring issue in the Blagurana’s defeat to Almeria at the weekend.
Pedri and Ousmane Dembele also remain sidelined due to thigh injury, although Spain youngster, Ansu Fati could make a return to the squad in time from a bruised knee.
Should Fati be deemed fit to start, the youthful sensation could be the man to replace the injured Robert Lewandowski centrally, but Ferran Torres is also in with a shout and could be deployed as a false 9.
Torres starting as the striker will open the door for Raphinha to be reintroduced after he was benched the last time out, while Gavi occupies the left wing position.
Franck Kessie struggled at the weekend and was subbed off at half-time, so the coach may be tempted to start Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park alongside Frenkie De Jong and Sergio Busquets.
The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde and Ter Stegen.
See the Full XI Below;
