Both players missed training with gastroenteritis but staff are closely monitoring their situation
Barcelona are hopeful that both Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen will recover in time for Sunday’s clásico, after illness kept the pair out of training earlier this week.
The duo were absent from Thursday’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva after suffering from gastroenteritis, prompting initial concern for manager Hansi Flick ahead of the club’s most important fixture of the season so far.
Christensen had already missed the Champions League victory over Olympiacos with the same issue, while De Jong had been expected to start at the Santiago Bernabeu before falling ill.
According to AS, Barcelona’s medical staff are confident both players will return to training within the next 48 hours and should be cleared to feature if their recovery continues as planned.
The club is said to be closely monitoring their condition, with a final decision expected by Saturday.
The Dutch midfielder is especially important. De Jong is vital to Flick’s tactical setup, playing alongside Pedri at the base of the midfield. His absence would leave a huge gap in a squad that already has several absentees.
In more positive news for the club, Raphinha returned to full training this week and is expected to be passed fit to feature in the clásico after missing nearly a month with a hamstring injury.
Ferran Torres has also shaken off his minor muscle issue and has been training normally.
Barcelona currently trail Madrid by two points and a positive result at the Bernabeu could be huge in the title race.
