Prior El Clásico.. Xavi reveals the fitness boost with key stars in squad to face Real Madrid

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reveals the situation of the injured players before Real Madrid battle scheduled for next Saturday in the Spanish football Clasico. A number of players in Barcelona are suffering from various injuries, such as Robert Lewandowski, Joel Kounde, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Rafinha, and Sergi Roberto. Barcelona have been handed a much-needed fitness boost ahead of their La Liga clash with Athletic Club on Sunday night. Manager Xavi is struggling with a number of injuries to key players in his squad, including Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, and Raphinha. None of those stars have been included in Barca's matchday squad which was announced on Sunday. However, two players who were injury doubts during the week have pulled through and are now set to feature. Lamine Yamal was absent from Spain duty during the international break as he worked on solving a hip flexor problem. He was pictured returning to training during the week and will now likely make his sixth league start of the campaign after being included in Xavi's squad. Barcelona rose to third place in the Spanish League standings, with 24 points, while Athletic Bilbao fell by 17 points to sixth place.