Sports Mole rounds up Barcelona’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona will look to maintain their 100% start to their Champions League campaign when they play host to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
Xavi’s side began their European campaign with a commanding 5-0 home victory over Royal Antwerp, before they squeezed past Porto on their trip to Portugal, leaving them as the group leaders after two matchdays.
After beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in Sunday’s league meeting, Barcelona have avoided defeat in all 12 of their competitive matches this season, and they will be determined to extend that run, before they face rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Barcelona’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their meeting with Shakhtar, who won their most recent Champions League game against Antwerp.
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Status: OutType of injury: ThighPossible return date: October 28 (vs. Real Madrid)
Although there was initially hope that Pedri would return from a two-month absence to play a role in Wednesday’s Champions League outing, he is now expected to miss the clash with Antwerp, and it is highly unlikely that he will be involved against Real Madrid.
© Reuters
Status: Major doubtType of injury: ThighPossible return date: October 25 (vs. Shakhtar Donetsk)
Raphinha sustained an injury issue in last month’s win over Sevilla, but there is a chance that he could return in time to feature in the matchday squad, which would allow him to gain some valuable playing time before El Clasico.
© Reuters
Status: Major DoubtType of injury: AnklePossible return date: October 25 (vs. Royal Antwerp)
Lewandowski has been sidelined since picking up an ankle injury in the Champions League win over Porto on October 4, but there is a slim chance he could return to get a few minutes under his belt in a bid to prove his fitness for the weekend.
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Status: OutType of injury: AnklePossible return date: Unknown
De Jong is set to miss a sixth consecutive game as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury, which he sustained in September’s 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo.
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Status: OutType of injury: KneePossible return date: Unknown
Kounde missed the win over Athletic with a knee issue, and Xavi confirmed after the game that the Frenchman’s injury will keep him out of the midweek Champions League clash and Saturday’s Clasico.
© Reuters
Status: OutType of injury: CalfPossible return date: November 4 (vs. Real Sociedad)
A calf problem ruled Roberto out of Sunday’s league outing, and the 31-year-old is expected to miss Barcelona’s next two matches, including the weekend’s crucial clash with bitter rivals Real Madrid.
BARCELONA’S SUSPENSION LIST
Barcelona have no players suspended for this encounter.
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