Xavi Hernandez addressed the media in the press conference ahead of El Clasico. He answered questions on the injury crisis in the Barcelona squad.
Injury Returns
Barça welcomed back to training on Friday Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Jules Koundé, but coach Xavi Hernández was vague about their availability for Saturday’s Clásico.
Sergi Roberto is the only player who has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s La Liga trip to the Olympic Stadium this weekend. Raphinha has also resumed training this week.
Lewandowski, De Jong, and Raphinha were all considered to be touch-and-go options to play against Madrid; however, Koundé was ruled out by Xavi last weekend, and Pedri’s chances of playing had diminished over the course of the week.
Xavi Hernandez Talks
At his pregame press conference on Friday, Xavi stated, “I was surprised [that they were all able to train].”
“I had excellent sensations during the session. On Saturday, we will announce the team and we’ll wait to see how they feel afterward. The fact that they are all back in training is wonderful.
“The players that were cut want to participate. Everyone is working really hard to participate in the Clásico, but we won’t start anyone who isn’t fully fit.”
Pedri Injury
Due to a thigh injury, Pedri hasn’t played since August. Given the duration of his recuperation and the number of comparable ailments he’s had over the previous 18 months, there are questions regarding Pedri’s fitness.
“Pedri is not the issue,” Xavi said. “We had deadlines in place and he’s more or less ticked them all off during his rehabilitation.”
Not as long has Lewandowski, De Jong, Raphinha, and Kounde been out. They will be considered for the trip to Real Sociedad the following weekend if they are not prepared to play Madrid.
Tight at the Top Says Xavi Hernandez
With 25 points, Madrid leads La Liga heading into this weekend’s games, tied with Girona; however, Barça, the only team in the league without a loss, is only one point behind and can pass Los Blancos in the standings with a victory.
Xavi continued, “This game means a lot.” “Every player in the world wants to play in the Clásico. We’re moving nicely.
