Barcelona worried as midfield star misses training ahead of Real Madrid clash
Barcelona face a nervous wait to find out if midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be fit for the trip to Real Madrid.
De Jong missed training this morning – three days before the first Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu – due to what is believed to be gastroenteritis.
The Netherlands international has formed a strong midfield partnership with Pedri and his absence would represent a major blow for a Barca side who head to the capital two points behind their main rivals.
De Jong is the second player to be affected by the bug, with central defender Andreas Christensen missing midweek. Victory in the Champions League against Olympiacos after feeling bad. The Dane was also unable to train today.
Raphinha and Torres ready to be fit
There was better news regarding Raphinha's status, however. The Brazilian striker took part in the group session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and is expected to be given the green light to return to the squad for the weekend's match.
Ferran Torres is also fit and could well start at the Bernabeu in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski.
The visitors will also be without Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen this weekend.
Defensive concerns for Madrid
Madrid are also not without injury concerns, particularly at the back.
David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen all missed last night's 1-0 win over Juventus.
Huijsen is most likely to return against Barca. If the Spain international is ruled out, that leaves Madrid boss Xabi Alonso with just two options in central defense: Eder Militao and Raul Asencio.
2025-10-23 11:41:00
