Key Takeaways:
- Frenkie de Jong was unable to train on Thursday due to an intestinal problem, placing his availability for Sunday’s El Clasico in doubt
- Andreas Christensen has remained sidelined since missing Tuesday’s match against Olympiakos, still recovering from gastroenteritis
- Raphinha and Ferran Torres both completed full training sessions and are expected to be available for selection on Sunday
Latest Injury Concerns Threaten Barcelona’s Plans
Barcelona’s build-up to Sunday’s pivotal El Clasico against Real Madrid has suffered another setback, with Frenkie de Jong absent from training on Thursday. Although de Jong is not technically injured, he missed the session due to an intestinal illness, according to Sport. The Dutch international has played an integral part under Hansi Flick, even donning the captain’s armband in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen through much of Flick’s time in charge. However, there is currently no confirmed recovery timeline for de Jong, leaving his readiness for Sunday unclear.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Frenkie De Jong has left the training session today because he is not feeling well.
[@monfortcarlos] pic.twitter.com/JbNBUm3kFp
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 23, 2025
Andreas Christensen Remains Sidelined
The concern around de Jong’s health is heightened by the ongoing absence of Andreas Christensen, who missed training again on Thursday after sitting out Tuesday’s fixture with Olympiakos due to gastroenteritis. Should de Jong suffer a similar duration of illness, Barcelona risk facing Real Madrid without another key component of their squad.
Encouraging News: Raphinha and Ferran Torres Return to Full Training
Offsetting some of the negative updates, Barcelona received a boost as both Raphinha and Ferran Torres participated in Thursday’s training without limitation. Ferran Torres rejoined the matchday squad against Girona, having missed out on the previous 2-1 win, but his return was anticipated. For Raphinha, this marks his first full training session since the international break, following an injury sustained against Real Oviedo. Both attackers are now expected to be match-ready for the clash with Real Madrid.
Midfield Options Limited as Flick Ponders Alternatives
With uncertainties surrounding de Jong and Christensen adding to a growing injury list also featuring ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, Barcelona’s midfield options remain restricted. If de Jong is unavailable, Marc Casado appears likely to maintain his role alongside Pedri, with Fermin Lopez expected to operate further forward. Marc Bernal is the only natural reserve, but after just 31 minutes in four matches since returning from an ACL injury, it is improbable that Flick will throw him in for El Clasico. Eric Garcia offers another solution given his experience in midfield, but he is primarily a defender by trade.
Defensive Reinforcements Possible
Ronald Araújo has been cited as a potential returnee to the starting line-up this weekend, which could aid the Blaugrana defensively as they prepare to confront their arch-rivals under the pressure of selection difficulties.
