Barcelona focus on Kounde, Christensen and Garcia after Espart blow
After Xavi Espart was ruled out for seven weeks, Barcelona's medical focus has shifted to Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.

After Xavi Espart was ruled out for seven weeks, Barcelona's medical focus has shifted to Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.

Barcelona said on Monday that full-back Xavi Espart suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury in Sunday's Clasico and could be out for up to seven weeks.

Barcelona host Real Madrid on Sunday in the first Clasico of 2026/27, with a win set to open a nine-point gap at the top.

Barcelona face Real Madrid on Sunday with several availability concerns, including issues involving Christensen, García and Olmo.

Before Sunday's Clasico, Jose Mourinho said comparing Real Madrid with Barcelona is unfair and insisted the match will not define his team.

Former Barcelona youth coach Pau Moral said Xavi Espart can cope with Yan Diomande in Sunday's Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

Reports said Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas is not considering a winter loan for now despite not playing under Hansi Flick.

Pedri said Sunday's El Clasico is a great challenge and the greatest motivation as Barcelona respond to a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
