Manager Hansi Flick will not be on the touchline when the team travels to the Santiago Bernabeu to face rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, 26 October 2020 at 16:15 CEST, after receiving a red card in the previous match against Girona.
The team will also be without striker Robert Lewandowski, who is out with a muscle strain. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) and midfielders Gavi (meniscus) and Dani Olmo (calf) are also out with long-term injuries.
In the latest doubts, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen did not attend Thursday’s training session due to gastroenteritis. However, both are still expected to be fit and available for El Clasico.
But the team’s injury reports have come back positive, with Ferran Torres and Rafinha both returning to training in top form and racing to be fit for the Clasico. Both are close to a comeback.
With them just two points clear at the top of La Liga, El Clasico will be a game that could have an early impact on the title race.
This is the 262nd official El Clasico, where the all-time records are incredibly tight. Real Madrid have a slim lead with 105 wins to Barcelona’s 104, with 52 of those games ending in draws.
FC Barcelona lineup to face Real Madrid
FC Barcelona’s expected lineup against Real Madrid is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Flick is unlikely to make many changes to the team that defeated Olympiakos.
With Flick suspended, his tactical plan will still be effective. Barcelona are likely to aim to control the game through a compact formation.
With John Garcia not expected to return until November, Szczesny will be in goal, Jules Kounde and Balde will be on the flanks, and Ronald Araujo could come into the back four as a central defender alongside Pau Cubarci, replacing Eric Garcia.
Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado could start in pivotal roles to disrupt Madrid’s potent counter-attacks. Pedri will play a key role in dictating the tempo in midfield.
Firmin Lopez, who scored a hat-trick against Olympiacos in the Champions League, is believed to have worked his way into the starting line-up after his performances in the central attacking midfielder or number 10 role.
In attack, Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the line in Lewandowski’s absence.
Young winger Lamine Yamal, who has a strong record against Real Madrid, should start on the right, where he will be a major threat.
However, Ferran Torres could get the nod at number 9 if he recovers sufficiently from a hamstring strain. It is also hoped that Raphinha will at least make it into the matchday squad after being laid off with a similar problem.
