Barcelona could be missing as many as seven players for El Clasico

Barcelona are sweating over the fitness of a number of first-team players ahead of Saturday's La Liga contest with bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Jules Kounde is definitely out of El Clasico due to a knee injury, with the France international not expected to return until after the November international break.

Sergi Roberto is also set to be absent due to a calf problem, while Pedri's hopes of recovering from a thigh injury in time for the game with Real Madrid appear to have faded.

Barcelona are also allegedly expected to be missing Frenkie de Jong, with the Netherlands international struggling to overcome the ankle problem that he suffered against Celta Vigo last month.

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According to Sport, the Catalan outfit are not prepared to take any risks when it comes to De Jong, and he could even potentially be out until after the November international break.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were again both missing against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Xavi's side.

However, according to AS, the pair are set to train on Thursday, when their conditions will be assessed to determine whether a return in El Clasico is possible for either player.

Raphinha has been absent since picking up a hamstring issue during the La Liga contest with Sevilla at the end of September.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski limped off with an ankle injury against Porto in the Champions League on October 4, which has seen him miss the team's last three games in all competitions.

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Joao Felix also gave Barcelona a scare when he limped off against Shakhtar on Wednesday night.

The Portugal international said on social media after the match that he was "fine" and had only suffered an impact injury, but he will need to be assessed before a decision on his involvement this weekend can be made.

Gavi was also absent against Shakhtar, but the midfielder missed out through suspension, and he will be available for the contest with La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Barcelona are third in the La Liga table on 24 points, one point behind the leaders Real Madrid, and they remain unbeaten in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.