Barcelona plagued by injuries ahead of return to LaLiga

Barcelona are going through a bad patch in terms of injuries. The international break is almost over and domestic and European competitions are just around the corner. In fact, the Catalan side will host Athletic on Sunday for their LaLiga matchday ten fixture.

The Catalan giants will face an acid test in their own stadium as seven players - Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, are unavailable for Sunday's encounter.

Both the Pole and the Dutchman are suffering from ankle sprains but Lewandowski is progressing faster than De Jong and is likely to play some minutes in the next Spanish top-flight match.

Pedri Gonzalez, who was expected to be in good form after the international break, will remain sidelined for Barcelona's upcoming matches although he is recovering well. Balde has a similar injury to his compatriot but he could return to action later than Pedri.

The LaLiga side will be without their most decisive player in defence. Jules Kounde is suffering from a knee injury sustained in Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Granada. Although he is unlikely to perform in Sunday's game, the Frenchman has shown on social media that he is making good progress.

Brazilian forward Raphinha said in an interview that he would like to return to action for 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid on 28th October, which rules him out for the upcoming matches against Athletic in LaLiga and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Lamine Yamal will also be out of action for several weeks due to a hip injury as the 16-year-old tried to recover by being treated by the Spanish national team doctors but his efforts were in vain.

Barcelona are trying to defend their trophy at all costs but both Madrid and Girona are above them in the table. They will have a tough time in the coming games with so many key players injured but they will fight to keep climbing up the LaLiga table.

Meanwhile, they are in a good position in the Champions League as they are in first place after two victories in group H - against Antwerp and Porto.