The first El Clasico of the season is a little over a week away now and both Real Madrid and Barcelona will know the implications of the game this time around. Both teams seem pretty evenly matched this time around and currently have the same number of points, although Xavi’s side are ahead on goal difference while Los Blancos dropped down to second after the 1-1 draw vs Osasuna.
Both teams have their fair share of injury problems at the moment though and will be hoping that they can get rid of most of them ahead of the big game next weekend.
Barcelona have been handed a boost in this regard though as it looks like a couple of their key players are set to back before taking on Real Madrid.
As reported by AS, Frenkie de Jong is the big news in the squad ahead of the match against Celta Vigo. On the other hand, Jules Kounde is expected for next week’s El Clasico.
Barcelona handed double boost heading into El Clasico vs Real Madrid
De Jong was a wanted man in the summer, as both Chelsea and Manchester United were believed to be very interested in the Dutch midfielder. But despite his lack of consistent playing time at Barcelona, he decided to stay on at the club.
On the other hand, the potential return of Jules Kounde could prove to be a bigger boost for Barcelona, as they have Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo struggling with fitness issues at this point of time as well.
The game promises to be a tight one between the undisputed two sides in Spain right now and whoever ends up coming out on top will have given themselves a big advantage in the title race. A draw would work in favour of Barcelona, as the game is at the Santiago Bernabeu.