Xavi Espart was ruled out for seven weeks after tearing a ligament in his right ankle in El Clasico following a hard challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni, leaving Barcelona with four defenders currently in the club's clinic. GOAL reported that, according to sources at AS, the medical team's focus falls entirely on Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.
Kounde's recovery
Jules Kounde did not train with the group on Wednesday, and his place in El Clasico hung in the balance until the final moment. All the signs point to his recovery from the ankle sprain and a possible appearance against Alaves on Saturday.
At best, Kounde will have completed only two sessions with the team, with just five days left until the match.
Christensen's timetable
Andreas Christensen has been sidelined for five weeks with a tear in his left quadriceps. He should be ready for the Champions League tie against Aston Villa on 3 November.
Christensen will start on the bench and come on if needed.
Garcia's return target
Eric Garcia suffered a tear in the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh on 17 October during the Real Betis match, and his absence was estimated at between three and four weeks. At best, and with extra effort, he will be fit for the top-of-the-table clash against Atletico Madrid on 8 November at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Nobody inside the dressing room rules out bringing Eric Garcia's return forward, even to the Champions League match, given how tough the Alaves fixture is. Bringing him back for the Champions League match would trim a full week off the absence.