Alejandro Balde returned to Barcelona training on Thursday and is expected to be on the bench for Sunday’s El Clasico. Robert Lewandowski is also likely to be a substitute after returning from a hamstring issue, while Inigo Martinez is fit.

Pablo Torre and Marc Casado are doubts with knee problems, and Jules Kounde and Marc Bernal are ruled out.

Coach Hansi Flick faces a goalkeeping dilemma with Marc-Andre ter Stegen fit again, though Wojciech Szczesny is expected to keep his place after strong recent performances.

Real Madrid remain without several key players for the rest of the season, including Rudiger, Mendy, Alaba, Carvajal, Militao, and Camavinga. Rodrygo is set to return from illness, but Arda Guler may start after impressing against Celta. Valverde could cover at right-back, while Ceballos and Modric may line up in midfield, allowing Bellingham to push forward.

Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are locked in to start, with Mbappe aiming for his first win over Barcelona as a Madrid player after three straight losses.