The tension is building in Catalonia as FC Barcelona face a worrying setback just 48 hours before the long-awaited El Clásico clash against Real Madrid. What should have been a week of fine-tuning and focus has suddenly turned into a storm of uncertainty — one of the team’s key players has missed training, sending shockwaves through the Blaugrana camp and sparking concern among fans worldwide.
According to reports from Barcelona’s training ground, a vital member of Xavi Hernández’s starting lineup was absent from today’s session due to a fitness issue. The club has yet to make an official statement, leaving supporters guessing about the extent of the problem. With the biggest match of the season looming, timing couldn’t be worse. Every fan knows how crucial squad depth and top fitness are when facing a Real Madrid side that thrives on exploiting even the smallest weaknesses.
This news comes as Barça continue to battle through a series of injuries that have already disrupted Xavi’s plans. The coach has been rotating his squad intelligently, integrating young stars like Lamine Yamal and Fermín López while relying on experienced heads such as Robert Lewandowski and İlkay Gündoğan to provide stability. However, losing another first-team player just before facing their fiercest rivals could seriously test the team’s resilience and tactical balance.
Despite the uncertainty, there’s a quiet sense of determination within the club. Sources close to the training ground suggest that Xavi is already working on contingency plans, focusing on maintaining the team’s rhythm and intensity. El Clásico is more than just a football match — it’s a battle of pride, passion, and history. For Barça, it’s also a chance to reclaim dominance and send a message that the club’s rebuilding project is on the right track.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans will be anxiously refreshing their feeds, hoping for good news from the medical team. Will the missing player recover in time to face Real Madrid? Or will Xavi have to make a last-minute tactical adjustment that could define the outcome of the match?
One thing is certain: the drama, the anticipation, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. El Clásico is almost here — and Barcelona’s destiny may depend on the fitness of one crucial player.

