"It's not just about Vinicius" – Xavi names 3 Real Madrid players who could trouble Barcelona
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has named three Real Madrid stars apart from Vinicius Jr. who could threaten his side in the El Clasico on Saturday (October 28).
The Blaugrana, who won the La Liga title last season, finishing 10 points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's side, are third this season. They have 24 points from 10 games, winning seven. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are atop the standings with 25 points from 10 games, winning eight.
In the pre-game press conference, Xavi shared his thoughts on Barcelona's potential strategies to stop Real Madrid forward Vinicius (h/t Madrid Universal):
"How will we stop Vinicius? It's not just about Vinicius. Real Madrid has many other good players like (Jude) Bellingham, (Federico) Valverde, Rodrygo. They are a very strong team."
Jude Bellingham, who joined Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth up to €134 million in the summer, has been in great form this season. The 20-year-old has netted 11 goals and laid out three assists in 12 games across competitions.
Federico Valverde, meanwhile, has emerged as a reliable presence for Los Merengues in the last few seasons. He has a goal and three assists in 13 overall this campaign.
Rodrygo, who registered 30 goal involvements last season, has cemented himself as a key starter. He has scored twice in 13 games this season.
Andreas Christensen gives injury update on Barcelona star ahead of Real Madrid match
Earlier this month, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski picked up an ankle issue in his team's 1-0 UEFA Champions League win at Porto.
Speaking to Canal+, Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen said that he's hopeful about the 35-year-old striker's return in time to face Real Madrid (h/t Barca Blaugranes):
"I don't know if I should talk about this, about the new news about the injury, but I think Robert Lewandowski's recovery is going well. I can only add that I hope he returns to the playing field soon."
This campaign, Lewandowski has scored six goals and provided four assists in 10 games across competitions for Barca.