Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: October 27, 2023, 17:58 IST
Barcelona supervisor Xavi (AFP)
Barcelona supervisor Xavi saying he was shocked by his playrers’ recoveries and dedication to play in opposition to Real Madrid.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez mentioned he might begin some key gamers in opposition to Real Madrid on Saturday who’ve been out injured in latest weeks, in the event that they arrive one hundred pc match.
The Spanish champions have been with out forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong and defenders Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto within the lead-as much as the match.
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However all these gamers took half in coaching on Friday besides for the latter, with Xavi saying he was shocked by their recoveries and dedication to play in opposition to Real Madrid.
“I was surprised to see them in training too,” Xavi instructed reporters on Friday.
“Players that we had almost ruled out and they want to be there, they all want to play.
“They all feel very good and you’ll have to wait until tomorrow for the squad list.”
Barcelona’s solely out-and-out striker Lewandowski has not performed since going off injured in opposition to Porto within the Champions League on October 4 with an ankle drawback.
“Evidently I won’t tell you the line-up or give clues, (but he’s) feeling very good, he’s well,” mentioned the coach.
“They all feel good and want to be there — it’s a very important game.”
De Jong final performed in September earlier than he suffered an ankle sprain, whereas a hamstring damage has dominated Pedri out since August.
Winger Raphinha has been out with a thigh drawback since September, whereas Kounde suffered a knee sprain in opposition to Granada on October 10.
Xavi mentioned he would haven’t any hesitance to start out any of the returning gamers if they’re absolutely match.
“If they are 100 percent, I’ll play them, there’s no problem,” added the coach.
Barcelona have been compelled to lean closely on kids from their La Masia youth academy, with Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu all scoring vital targets.
Xavi had some recommendation for the youthful gamers who could characteristic in opposition to league leaders Real Madrid.
“Having homegrown players is a boost, it’s fantastic to have players from La Masia, they know about the rivalry, they know the importance of the game, it’s always fundamental,” mentioned Xavi.
“(In the Clasico) there are always more nerves, more tension, controlling those nerves, controlling your character, the tempo of the game, it’s hard, because the heart is hot, but (you need) a cold head, I think that’s the key to these games.
“There is more emotion and desire than normal, but control is key.”
The coach famous Jude Bellingham’s spectacular affect since arriving at Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer time.
The England worldwide has netted eight targets and is the division’s main scorer.
“Bellingham is very important for Madrid with their change of system, he has freedom, and attacks well from deep,” added Xavi.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
