Barcelona has received a major double boost ahead of the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, with two key players returning to full fitness just in time for the showdown.
The Catalan club confirmed that both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have been cleared for selection after recovering from their respective injuries. The duo took part in the final training session before the match, giving manager Xavi Hernandez a significant lift in midfield.
Pedri has been sidelined since August 2026 with a hamstring problem, while De Jong missed the last three games due to a knock picked up in training. Their return comes at a crucial moment, with Barcelona set to face their arch-rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 28, 2026.
The club’s medical staff gave the green light after both players completed the full session without any discomfort. Xavi now has more options in the middle of the park, where he had been forced to rely on younger squad members in recent weeks.
Barcelona currently sits second in La Liga, two points behind Real Madrid. A win in the Clasico would see them leapfrog their rivals and take top spot. The return of Pedri and De Jong is seen as a timely reinforcement for a fixture that often decides the title race.
Neither player is expected to start the match, but both are likely to feature from the bench. Xavi has been careful not to rush them back, but the importance of the fixture has accelerated their return to the squad.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be without their own key midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who is suspended for the match. That gives Barcelona an extra edge in the middle of the pitch, especially in the second half when fresh legs could make the difference.
The Clasico kicks off at 9:00 PM local time on Saturday, October 28, 2026.
