Barcelona duo Robert Lewandowski and Pedri are both pushing to return from injury ahead of El Clasico on October 28, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains a doubt for the game.
The Athletic previously reported that Lewandowski, 35, was a major doubt for the match against Real Madrid after sustaining an injury to his left ankle during his side’s victory over Porto in the Champions League this month.
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The striker is set to miss this weekend’s return to La Liga action against Athletic Bilbao but, because his problem is not a muscular one, he is hopeful of featuring against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Pedri is also nearing a return after missing his side’s last 10 games in all competitions due to a hamstring tear.
De Jong, 26, sustained an ankle injury during the 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo in September, with his manager Xavi confirming that the Netherlands international would be out of action until after the October international break.
He will not be in the squad for the trip to Athletic Bilbao this weekend but is set to undergo further tests this week ahead of El Clasico next weekend.
Raphinha, who sustained a hamstring injury during the 1-0 victory over Sevilla on September 29, is hopeful of being fit enough to make the squad for the game against Real but is very unlikely to start.
Jules Kounde however will miss the game after the 24-year-old defender was ruled out for at least one month with a knee injury as reported by The Athletic.
Club sources, not permitted to speak publicly, also believe that Lamine Yamal, who was substituted in the 76th minute of the 2-2 draw with Granada earlier this season and subsequently withdrew from the Spain squad for their recent international fixtures, is expected to start against Athletic Bilbao this weekend.
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