Barcelona receive Joao Felix injury update after he was subbed out after picking up knock in UCL fixture - Reports
Barcelona have received some positive news after Portuguese forward Joao Felix was taken off with an injury in their win against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25. The 23-year-old came off the pitch gingerly in the second half and was replaced by Marc Guiu in the UEFA Champions League clash.
AS Diario journalist Javi Miguel has reported that the setback suffered by Felix was not serious. It remains to be seen if he will become fit in time for the side's upcoming El Clasico clash against Real Madrid on Saturday, October 28.
Felix has been impressive for Barcelona after signing on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer. The Portuguese, who spent part of last season on loan with Chelsea, has been used across the front line by manager Xavi. In 10 appearances across competitions for the Blaugrana, he has bagged three goals and four assists.
The Catalan giants, meanwhile, eased to a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday. Goals in the first half from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez ensured that they maintained a perfect start to their UCL campaign.
They will now host arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday as they look to dethrone Los Blancos off the top of the table.
Barcelona suffer blow as star player's return from injury postponed
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is not expected to feature in the upcoming El Clasico. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Blaugrana were hopeful of getting the Dutchman fit back in time but he is expected to miss further time.
De Jong suffered an ankle injury in the Catalan giants' 3-2 win over Celta Vigo last month. Sport now report that Barca are exercising caution over their star midfielder's return, meaning he could be out until the next international break. This means he could be out of contention for matches against Real Sociedad, Shakhtar Donetsk in UCL, and Alaves following El Clasico.
Should de Jong be unable to play a role in the game, Xavi is likely to turn to Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu in midfield. The third spot could go to youngsters Gavi or Fermin Lopez.
Barcelona have a bit of an injury crisis as they head into the first El Clasico of the season. Alongside de Jong, star midfielder Pedri is also expected to miss the game. Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde are also trending towards missing the game.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are doubts for the clash while they also await an update on Joao Felix.