BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Rafinha remains on Barcelona’s injured list and left-back Jules Kounde is doubtful for Sunday’s game. Clasico matchMeanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to play for Real Madrid.
On Saturday, Alexander-Arnold was included in Xabi Alonso’s squad list for the first time since the former Liverpool star. injured my left hamstring Mid-September. This leaves only Antonio Rudiger on Madrid’s injured list.
Barcelona were already without Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo and first-choice goalkeeper Joao Garcia for the big match due to injury.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri González said: “Of course we want everyone to be available, and the coach and the team will too, but those of us who are fit will give their all and fight for the three points.”
Barcelona wanted to get Rafinha ready.
Rafinha was subsequently sidelined for a month. injured my right leg In late September.
Manager Hansi Flick had raised hopes of getting the winger back in time for the Clasico, but those hopes were dashed the day before the Madrid trip when assistant coach Markus Sorg confirmed that the Brazil international would not be called up to the squad.
This means Barcelona will be without their two top scorers, Rafinha and Lewadowski. In the same match last season, these two players combined to score three goals as Barcelona won 4-0.
Coach Sorgue said that Spain national team forward Ferran Torres may not be able to start as he has just recovered from a muscle strain. His other options to accompany Lamine Yamal up front are to try Marcus Rashford, Rooney Bulge or fellow ‘fake nine’ Fermin Lopez.
Kounde missed two training sessions for undisclosed reasons after playing in Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday. Lopez scores a hat trick. The defender returned to practice on Saturday, but Sorg said the team will “determine until the last moment” whether Kounde will play or not.
Zorg will be on Barcelona’s touchline in place of Flick, who was suspended after receiving a red card for protesting in the previous match.
Madrid are in first place after nine matches, with a two-point lead over Barcelona.
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