Official: Surprise absence as Barcelona name squad to face Real Madrid | OneFootball

The travelling squad called upon by La Liga champions Barcelona for their upcoming clash with Real Madrid has been unveiled online.

And featuring front and centre are a number of up-and-coming academy talents.

Young full-backs Jofre Torrents and Xavi Espart have both been drafted in for the trip to Spain’s capital on Sunday evening.

They are joined by Toni Fernández and Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández, fresh off respective starts in Barcelona’s last two outings against Girona and Olympiacos.

Elsewhere, Jules Koundé is included despite fitness concerns over recent days, alongside Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres, both of whom have shaken off issues of their own.

The most notable absence, on the other hand, comes in the form of that of Andreas Christensen.

Defender Christensen was forced to pull out of training earlier this week, whilst dealing with a bout of illness. Despite having since linked back up with Hansi Flick’s squad, however, the Dane has evidently been deemed not in a fit state to play his part in El Clásico.

Also missing out, as expected, are the likes of Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan García, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

Check out Barca’s travelling squad to face arch rivals Real Madrid in full below:

Conor Laird – GSFN