Barcelona land double defensive injury boost for El Clasico title decider

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Barcelona's chances of ending the 2024/25 season with a major trophy treble were torn down at the San Siro on May 6.

La Blaugrana battled out a thriller against Inter Milan as the Serie A giants edged out an incredible 4-3 extra time win on the night and a wild 7-6 aggregate victory.

Hansi Flick's frustration was deepened by a series of controversial decisions given against his team by the on-field officials in Milan including a potential foul on Gerard Martin in the build up to Inter Milan's third goal.

However, the German coach was quick to move on at full-time, as he looks to rally his troops for a crunch El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid, back on home soil on May 11.

The Catalans head into the weekend with a four-point gap at the top of La Liga, out in front of Carlo Ancelotti's defending champions.

Victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will put Flick on course for the Spanish title as part of a superb debut campaign alongside success in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Ahead of the visit of Los Blancos, Flick has a host of selection calls to make, as he assesses his squad after a bruising night in Milan.

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Robert Lewandowski came off the bench, as the veteran striker continues his recovery from injury, and he should be the only change across midfield and attack.

Flick's defensive options will be shuffled as he aims to keep the back door closed against Real Madrid's potent forward line.

Barcelona injury latest vs. Real Madrid

Midfield duo Marc Casado and Marc Bernal remain out until next season following ACL injuries and Dani Rodriguez's campaign has been cut short by surgery.

France international Jules Kounde will not be back in action until the end of May with Eric Garcia in line to cover at right-back.

Reports from Marca confirmed the Spain star only suffered a minor issue, after being replaced by Hector Fort during extra time in Milan, 

The big news comes on the opposite flank, with Alejandro Balde given the green light to start, after Flick not to risk him in the UCL.

Balde will come in for Martin at left-back as Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez battle for the two center-back slots.

If Barcelona lose against Real Madrid, their title lead will drop to one point, with a draw keeping the sides still four points apart.

Flick's final three games of 2024/25 feature a Catalan derby at Espanyol on May 15, a final home tie against Villarreal on May 18, and a season-closer at Athletic Club on May 25.

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