Barça in trouble: Raphinha relapses from his injury; Koundé is also doubtful for the Clásico

The FC Barcelona squad held their second training session at the Ciutat Esportiva this Friday with their sights set on the Clásico against Real Madrid (16:15 CEST). Hansi Flick's team once again had a couple of notable absences due to physical problems: Jules Koundé and Raphinha.

According to the latest information, the Brazilian seems to have relapsed from his injury to the right femoral biceps and his absence in the Clásico is almost certain. The '11' has missed the team's last 5 games due to this muscular mishap and he only returned to training on Wednesday, in the recovery session after the match against Olympiacos.

However, Raphinha did not have good sensations upon returning to work, and some rumors indicate that he could be out for several more weeks due to a possible muscle tear. On Saturday, the 28-year-old winger will undergo further tests to determine the condition of his right leg.

Koundé should return to training on Saturday

Although the Porto Alegre native was shaping up to be a substitute for Marcus Rashford on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu, his absence represents a very significant loss for Barça against Real Madrid. In the 4 Clásicos last season, Rapha scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists, being the Barça forward who caused the most damage to the 'merengue' defense.

Jules Koundé, meanwhile, was unable to train on the pitch of the Tito Vilanova field during the Thursday and Friday sessions due to a heavy blow. However, the Frenchman does not appear to have any injury and should return to work with the group this Saturday.

Hansi Flick, however, does not rule out putting Eric García on the right side if the '23' continues to have discomfort. Koundé started in the last 5 matches and has played minutes in the 12 matches played by Barça in the 25/26 season, adding 1 goal and 1 assist.

The Gaul provides more depth to the Catalan team on the right, but the coaching staff does not intend to take more risks with injuries. Eric has the full confidence of the coaching staff and already took over for Jules in the last Clásico played in Montjuïc (4-3), a match where he scored the first Barça goal.

Good news with Christensen and De Jong ahead of the Clásico

Frenkie de Jong challenging for a ball during the Barça-Getafe match

The forecasts are better with Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen. The Dutchman did not train on Thursday due to a indisposition (gastroenteritis), but his evolution was satisfactory and everything indicates that he will accompany Pedri González again in the midfield this Sunday.

Christensen, on his part, also returned to work at the Ciutat Esportiva on Friday, after several days affected by a stomach problem. The Dane missed the Champions League match against Olympiacos, but will be available as a defensive alternative against Real Madrid.

If Eric García had to move to the side due to Jules Koundé not being 100% fit for the Bernabéu, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí would be the starting center-backs. On the left, there are no doubts about Alejandro Balde's starting position, nor in goal with Wojciech Szczesny given the absence of Joan García.

• Follow the complete coverage of the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Clásico on FC Barcelona Noticias

Lewandowski speeds up his recovery, but will not take risks against Real Madrid

Another player who has evolved very well from his physical problems is Robert Lewandowski. The Pole returned from the last break with a muscle tear in the biceps femoris of his left thigh. In principle, the '9' would be out for around a month due to this muscular mishap.

However, his evolution has been excellent and the Barça doctors do not rule out giving him medical discharge for the match against Elche, scheduled for Sunday, November 2 at Montjuïc (18:30 CEST).

'Lewy' received criticism for his decision to play with muscular discomfort against Lithuania, but he has worked hard to recover in record time. His arrival for the Clásico, however, is not contemplated due to the risk of relapse. Ferran Torres, apart from the last two matches due to an overload, is emerging as Barça's '9' in the Clásico against Real Madrid.

Possible Barça Absences Against Real Madrid

• In FC Barcelona Noticias we tell you every detail of the Barça news and the evolution of all the injured players