FC Barcelona are dealing with a number of injury problems heading into the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Even though Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are set to be available, question marks linger over Jules Kounde’s presence after he missed two group training sessions in a row.
Andreas Christensen’s availability is also not clear as he continues to recover from gastroenteritis. Meanwhile, as already confirmed, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Robert Lewandowski have been ruled out.
Lewandowski’s recovery going very well
But there is some positive news with the recovery of one of the injured players – Lewandowski.
Indeed, according to journalist Adria Albets, the veteran centre-forward is recovering very well from his injury and has left the club doctors impressed by the pace at which his rehabilitation is progressing.
Lewandowski was sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained while in action for Poland during the international break earlier this month.
Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona player
Recovery progressing very well. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Initial prognosis suggested a recovery time of around 4-6 weeks, but the 37-year-old striker is making great progress and could be back earlier than predicted.
In fact, given how well things are going, Barcelona even contemplated the possibility of having him back for the trip to Madrid on Sunday, but decided not to take any risk during Thursday’s training session.
Building on that, SPORT also reports that Lewandowski was seen with his personal physiotherapist this morning at the club’s facilities, conducting recovery work.
His injury is healing very well, and, although he will not be available for El Clasico, the signs are very encouraging.
As reported before, Lewandowski’s aim is now to be fully fit for the game against Elche on 2 November.