Barcelona duo Robert Lewandowski and Pedri are both working to return from injury ahead of El Clasico on October 28, while midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains doubtful for the match.
Athletic previously reported that 35-year-old Lewandowski is a major doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Porto after injuring his left ankle.
The striker is set to miss this weekend’s La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao but is hopeful of playing against Carlo Ancelotti’s side as the problem is not muscular.
Pedri is close to returning after missing his last 10 games in all competitions with a torn ligament.
De Jong, 26, suffered an ankle injury in September’s 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, with manager Xavi confirming the Netherlands international will be sidelined after the October international break.
He will not be included in the squad for this weekend’s trip to Athletic Bilbao but is set for further tests this week ahead of El Clasico next weekend.
Rafinha, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Sevilla on September 29, hopes to be fit for the match against Real.
The 24-year-old defender will be sidelined for at least a month, according to The Athletic, but Jules Kunde will not miss the game.
Club sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, believe that Lamin Yamal, who came on as a 76th-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw with Granada earlier this season and was left out of the Spain squad for his recent international, will start. This weekend against Athletic Bilbao.
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