The first El Clasico of the 2025-2026 season is approaching as Real Madrid host Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. This is not a good time for the Blaugrana, as their "hospital" is packed and the national team training session once again causes difficulties.
Barcelona's health report did not bring many positive signals. Many of their players have problems. Some have been left out of the squad, others are still recovering, while a few names are trying their best to prepare for the Real Madrid match.
Three Blaugrana players will be absent from next weekend's Super classic. Ter Stegen and Gavi continue to receive long-term injury treatment and are not expected to return before the end of the year, according to the most optimistic predictions.
Robert Lewandowski was also injured in the international break with Poland. The striker will be out for about a month, which means he will definitely be absent from El Clasico.
Among the players who are still unknown, there are two notable outstanding names. First is Joan Garcia. The goalkeeper underwent surgery to tear his suncartilage on September 27 and the club estimated he would be out for four to six weeks. Since the first 4 weeks of the season coincide right before the El Clasico, everything will depend on how quickly he recovers.
The other case is Dani Olmo. The midfielder suffered a muscle injury and was forced to leave the Spanish national team's training camp. Luckily, he did not suffer a torn muscles, but he still needed a few weeks off to recover. Therefore, the possibility of Olmo playing at the Bernabeu is not very optimistic.
Another player is also on his way back to the squad, but there is no guarantee, which is Raphinha. The Brazilian player is being treated for a right hamstring injury. He was originally scheduled to be out for about three weeks, but that deadline ended last Friday.
In theory, Raphinha can play, but the Barca coaching staff does not want to take risks with players with an explosive style of play like him. Raphinha will almost certainly be absent for the match against Girona, while his ability to play against Real Madrid will be decided at the last minute.
Coach Hansi Flick is also closely monitoring the situation of Ferran Torres, who had to leave the Spanish national team training camp due to feeling unwell. The problem is not considered too serious, and if everything goes smoothly, he can return to training next week. However, the Blaugrana coaching staff has affirmed that they will not take any risks with this player.
However, not all of them are bad news for Barcelona. Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez are expected to feature at the Bernabeu. Both are also likely to play in the starting lineup for the match against Girona this weekend.
Yamal is not fit enough to start, but if a groin injury does not recur, he can play a few minutes against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Fermin has recovered better and could even start.
With a series of recent injuries and poor form, Barcelona are facing their biggest challenge since the beginning of the season. The El Clasico match at the Bernabeu is not only an opportunity for Blaugrana to affirm their position, but also a test for the true mettle of this team in the 2025-2026 La Liga championship race.
