The injuries are stacking up for Barcelona at just the wrong time. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo were struck down by the ‘FIFA virus’ during October’s international break, joining long-term absentee Gavi and the goalkeeping pair of Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen in an overflowing treatment room.

Raphinha is one of Barcelona's best players in the sqaud and he was vital for them against Real Madrid last season. The Brazilian winger suffered an injury in September and was expected to be back for the El Clásico match today. Raphinha returned to team training earlier this week and was expected to start the match.