Good news! Marc Casadó returns to Barça for the final stretch of 24/25

FC Barcelona confirmed Marc Casadó's medical clearance before the decisive Clásico of matchday 35 of La Liga against Real Madrid. The player from Sant Pere de Vilamajor had been out for the last 12 matches due to a partial tear of the external lateral ligament in his right knee suffered on March 16 against Atlético de Madrid (2-3).

Initially, it was feared that the midfielder would be out for the rest of the season, but his progress was satisfactory and, finally, his return was scheduled for mid-May. After a week of training with the group, the club decided to give him medical clearance, along with Alejandro Balde, before facing Real Madrid.

Thus, the '17' will be one of the substitutes this Sunday in Montjuïc, after almost two months out in what was his first serious injury as a Barça player. This season, Casadó has been fundamental in Hansi Flick's scheme, an undisputed starter throughout the first half of 24/25 and alternating prominence with Frenkie de Jong from January onwards.

Marc Casadó's records in 24/25:

1. Matches played: 36 (31 as starter)
2. Minutes played: 2,447
3. Goals: 1
4. Assists: 6
5. Warnings: 3

Marc Casadó, a real signing for Barça in the final stretch of LaLiga

In that sense, the return of the Spanish international is a real signing for Hansi Flick in the last month of competition. Frenkie de Jong has done a great job as Pedri's partner in the second half of the season, but has shown clear signs of fatigue in recent weeks.

Without Marc in the team, Eric García lent a hand as a pivot in some matches, but the absence of Jules Koundé, also injured in the Copa del Rey final, forced the player from Martorell to play the last matches as a right-back. 

For Barça, the final stretch of the season has a fairly demanding calendar, although a victory in the Clásico against Real Madrid will leave the title practically resolved in favor of Flick's team.

The 'culés' visit Espanyol (21:30 CEST) next Thursday in Cornellà and, three days later, host Villarreal in the last home match of the season. Finally, on matchday 38, they visit Athletic Club. 

In any of these three matches, the presence of Marc Casadó will be key in the German coach's rotation plan. Flick revolutionized his XI against Mallorca and Valladolid, thinking about the 'semis' of Champions against Inter.

Although the 'culés' will not have more European matches to play, the tight schedule, especially in the coming week, forces the coach to use the bench to give respite to a lineup that, in the last two weeks, had to play two extra times.

Barcelona's last four rivals in LaLiga 24/25