Barcelona injuries: Fitness updates and return dates after October international break

Xavi's Barcelona are unbeaten at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but the La Liga champions certainly haven't had it all their own way.

Three domestic draws in nine games so far mean they sit behind Real Madrid and surprise-package Girona in the table.

Nevertheless, given the long list of stars that have missed time during the season's opening, Xavi will undoubtedly be content with his side's return. Barcelona have been without Ronald Araujo, who returned before the break, and their current injury list is made up of those who were pivotal to their La Liga success last season.

However, things seem to be improving on the fitness front and there's hope Xavi will have a number of his current absentees back in time for the first Clasico of the season at the end of October.

Pedri

The young Spaniard has been in a perpetual injury battle since his majestic Euro 2020 campaign, with his latest setback keeping him out of action since August.

However, after nursing a thigh problem, Pedri returned to training during the break and is expected to return to action very soon. In fact, the midfielder could be involved this weekend as Barcelona host Athletic Club.

• Injury: Thigh
• Return date: Athletic Club (H) - 22/10/2023

Frenkie de Jong

The Dutchman is believed to be stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury and is determined to be fit for El Clasico.

De Jong was initially expected to be out for six weeks after being forced off in Barca's dramatic 3-2 win over Celta Vigo in mid-September, but reports in Spain suggest he'll be back earlier than projected.

The midfielder had the splint in his ankle removed over the break and is set to begin the recovery phase of his injury.

• Injury: Ankle
• Return date: Real Madrid (A) - 28/10/2023

Robert Lewandowski

Xavi cannot go without his talisman this season, especially not until Vitor Roque arrives. However, disaster struck in Barca's slender Champions League triumph over Porto before the October break and Lewandowski faces a race against time to be fit for Real Madrid's visit.

The Poland forward admitted his recovery is going better than expected, but he won't return to action until he's 100% fit. Some have speculated that while Lewandowski could return to the fold for El Clasico, he may start on the bench.

• Injury: Ankle
• Return date: Real Madrid (A) - 28/10/2023

Jules Kounde

While the above three each have chances of playing in El Clasico, Kounde has pretty much already been ruled out of the mammoth duel.

The Frenchman picked up a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Granada just before the break and was quickly withdrawn from the French squad for their October fixtures.

Kounde is expected to endure a fairly lengthy layoff and might not be back in action until mid-November.

• Injury: Knee
• Return date: Alaves (H) - 12/11/2023

Raphinha

“The Classic? I don't know yet. I want to be there,” Raphinha said last Friday.

The Brazilian was forced off in the first half against Sevilla on 29 September with a hamstring injury and the nature of his issue means Barca will have to be careful as they can ill-afford to rush him back.

Nevertheless, Raphinha has hope of being fit for El Clasico but, like Lewandowski, the Catalan media speculate he might only be capable of earning minutes off the bench.

• Injury: Hamstring
• Return date: Real Madrid (A) - 28/10/2023

Alejandro Balde

The dynamic young full-back is a fresh injury concern after withdrawing from the Spain squad with a knock. He departed after their defeat of Scotland, although Balde has avoided a major problem.

While a club statement read that Balde would be "unavailable for selection until the problem heals,” it's believed Balde's adductor problem will only keep him out for ten to 12 days.

While he might not feature against Athletic Club this weekend, he'll almost certainly be ready to go for El Clasico.

• Injury: Adductor
• Return date: Real Madrid (A) - 28/10/2023

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