Barcelona superstar set to miss Real Madrid clash through ankle injury

Real Madrid will face off against arch-rivals Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season in less than three weeks.

Ahead of the crucial encounter away at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 28, Carlo Ancelott’s men have been handed a major boost.

As per journalist Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski will be unavailable for the Clasico against Real Madrid due to an ankle injury.

The 35-year-old was taken off with an injury during the UEFA Champions League clash against FC Porto last night, which Barça won 1-0.

It was initially expected that his injury was not very serious and just a strong bruise following a rough tackle from Porto’s David Carmo.

But, Barça issued a statement earlier today confirming that Lewandowski had sustained an ankle sprain.

Building on that Toni Juanmarti is reporting that the striker will be out for at least a month, effectively ruling him out of the Clasico against Real Madrid.

Apart from Lewandowski, Barcelona will also be without another key player in Frenkie de Jong for the Real Madrid encounter while there are still some doubts about Pedri and Raphinha’s availability as well.

While Barcelona have been hit with a fresh injury concern, Real Madrid also have some notable absentees for this month’s El Clasico.

Both Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are long-term absentees and will be out until the end of the season, while Arda Guler’s fresh injury setback means he is also a doubt.

Apart from that, Real Madrid will also be without captain Nacho Fernandez for the Barcelona encounter due to the defender’s three-match suspension following his red card in the match against Girona.