Barcelona coach xavi Hernández plans to surprise in the first Clásico of the season, which kicks off at 4.15pm on Saturday.
With the Blaugrana first nursing five injured players, Xavi could be creative to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid at bay.
According to many reports, this means that Joao Cancelo will step down from his usual right-back role.
Ramin Yamal is unlikely to start while Rafinha recovers from injury and Ferran Torres could start in the center and move to the right wing ahead of Cancelo Araujo.
Inigo Martinez is expected to replace Araujo in central defense.
It was a return to Xavi’s defensive approach after designing a four-man midfield system against Real Madrid last season that allowed him to use two more natural forwards.
This gives Barcelona more security and more options if they need to rotate in attack.
Ancelotti could be thinking of creating his own surprise. Eduardo Camavinga has played in 10 of Real Madrid’s 13 games this season, but the Frenchman looks set to miss the game as the Italian manager has backed his strike from the bench.
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Best of Barcelona trio against Real Madrid
The Barcelona trio were expected to return for El Clásico, with Lewandowski likely to start the match.
Barcelona have received a huge boost ahead of their clash with Real Madrid this weeke9nd, with Javi Miguel confirming that three of his best players are expected to return and join the squad.
These include Robert Lewandowski, Rafinha and Frenkie de Jong.
All three players picked up injuries in succession before the international break, with de Jong’s deemed the most serious of the three.
Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski picked up an ankle injury during the game against Porto in the Champions League.
He was replaced by Ferran Torres in the first half, eventually scoring the winning goal.
The Pole has played in some discomfort throughout the season, but Xavi has used him cautiously, taking him out of the game when the game is comfortable for him and not giving him too much time at once.
According to reports, Lewa is expected to play against Real Madrid immediately after the injury.
He can pair him with Joao Felix in attack and Gabi or Fermin Lopez can join the attack.
Raphinha
Rafinha played brilliantly against Mallorca, scoring and assisting, but picked up a hamstring injury against Sevilla.
The Brazilian is expected to be sidelined for at least a month but could return earlier than planned.
He is unlikely to start the game but could be brought on if Barcelona trail by a goal around the hour mark.
Frankie de Jong
Most importantly, Frankie de Jong had a good season before suffering a sprained right ankle.
Barcelona’s form and control have deteriorated significantly since the Dutchman left.
Xavi is unlikely to pose a threat and if he is included in the squad for the match, fans can expect him to start on the bench.
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