Barcelona defensive ace missed training due to a knock ahead of El Clasico | OneFootball

Barcelona have already begun preparations for Sunday’s Clasico against Real Madrid with several updates from the medical department, most of them positive, as a number of players could be available again for Hansi Flick.

Indeed, Raphinha is all set to make his way back into the squad after recovering from an injury he sustained in late September. Ferran Torres, too, is fully fit and ready to feature.

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is also expected to be available after missing training on Thursday due to illness.

Jules Kounde absent from training

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona right-back Jules Kounde did not train with the group yesterday after suffering a knock.

The Frenchman, still feeling slight discomfort, preferred not to take any risks and stayed in the gym while his teammates trained on the pitch.

But there is no reason to worry, as club sources confirmed that it was a minor impact that has not worsened.

Recovering from a knock. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

As such, the plan is for Kounde to rejoin the group today and train normally ahead of Sunday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If everything proceeds as planned, both Kounde should be back in full training by midday, along with De Jong, allowing Barcelona to approach Sunday’s Clasico with two key reinforcements as they travel to Madrid for one of the most important matches of the season.

What about Andreas Christensen?

Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen also missed training on Thursday after having been ruled out of the Olympiacos clash due to gastroenteritis.

The Danish defender’s inclusion in the squad against Real Madrid will depend on how he feels in the coming hours and how he responds in the next session. If everything goes as expected, he will rejoin the group.

As things stand, only Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, and Dani Olmo are definitely ruled out of the Clasico for Barcelona.