Setback for Real Madrid as key Barcelona attacker likely to be available for El Clasico | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a huge advantage over Barcelona heading into this month’s high-anticipated El Clasico.

That is because Real Madrid’s injury crisis is not as bad as Barcelona, who have had three key attackers in Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowsk and Ferran Torres getting ruled out due to injuries incurred during the break.

They join a list of absentees that also includes Gavi, Raphinha, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia, who has been completely ruled out for the clash.

Raphinha could be available for Barcelona

However, in a major setback for Real Madrid, it appears Barcelona may get a key player back in time in the form of Raphinha.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha has been making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered against Oviedo earlier this month.

Raphinha could cause problems for the Real Madrid defence. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

While the initial prognosis had him sidelined for around three weeks, he has yet to fully rejoin training, indicating that the club is taking a cautious approach.

The report adds that a recent MRI scan showed encouraging results, with the muscle healing well and no complications detected.

There is optimism that Raphinha could be available for the El Clasico on October 26, and he may even be considered for the Champions League clash against Olympiacos next Tuesday if cleared by the medical staff.

However, he is confirmed to miss Barcelona’s upcoming match against Girona.

Despite this potential boost, Real Madrid can take comfort in the fact that the Catalans will still be missing key attackers such as Olmo, Lewandowski, and Torres, all of whom are effectively ruled out for the Clasico.

Barcelona’s medical and coaching teams are focused on easing Raphinha back into action and are expected to use him as a substitute rather than a starter.