Barcelona have been given a huge boost ahead of the massive El Clasico match against Real Madrid with two important squad members returning from injury.
The match is extremely important for La Liga as it’s imperative for the title race, with Barcelona leading Real by four points with four matches remaining after an arduous defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals.
The return of these players provides manager Hansi Flick more options as the Blaugrana attempt to stay ahead of their fierce rivals.
The players returning to action are left-back Alejandro Balde, who had been out with a hamstring injury, and midfielder Marc Casado, who was recovering from a knee injury, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Sources within the club said both players were questionable heading into the match but were cleared to return.
This news, and the fact that Barcelona will be missing Jules Kounde due to a leg injury, is a substantial boost to the team.
Balde has a lot of speed and defensive skill that can be tested against Real’s attacking players, such as Kylian Mbappe, while Casado offers energy in midfield to allow Flick to use different tactics.
With every first-choice defender on the injury list, Real Madrid is facing a steep hill to climb, making it more difficult against a Barcelona squad that is near full-strength.
The returning players could prove to be pivotal in a match that has a history of generally leading to a winner, with 17 El Clásicos having consecutively avoided a draw.
Flick is likely to rely on Balde to contribute to the left side and not use Gerard Martin instead, while Casado could come off the bench as a fresh body.
With tough remaining matches against Villarreal and Athletic, Barcelona must claim three points against a Real side that is wounded, the most in need under the pressure of defending.
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