Barcelona attacker Raphinha is hopeful that he will have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for the La Liga contest with Real Madrid on October 28.
The 26-year-old has had a frustrating start to the campaign, as he was forced to miss two La Liga matches in August through suspension, before picking up a hamstring issue against Sevilla at the end of last month.
Raphinha has since been absent against Porto and Granada, and he will definitely remain on the sidelines for Barcelona's next match against Athletic Bilbao after the international break.
However, when asked about a possible appearance in El Clasico on Friday, the Brazil international offered an encouraging update on his fitness.
"I don't know yet, but I want to be there," Sport quotes Raphinha as saying when he left Barcelona's training base on Friday following treatment.
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Raphinha has managed two goals and three assists in seven appearances for Barcelona this season, and he is one of seven first-team players currently on the sidelines.
Indeed, Lamine Yamal was forced to withdraw from the latest Spain squad due to a hip issue, while Jules Kounde is facing a spell out with a knee problem.
Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri have also recently been absent, but the latter is entering the final stages of his recovery from a thigh problem.
There is believed to be a strong chance that Pedri will be available for El Clasico, while Lewandowski is also expected to overcome an ankle issue in time for the clash with Real Madrid.
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Barcelona confirmed their latest injury on Friday, with Alejandro Balde facing a spell out with the adductor injury that he picked up while representing Spain against Scotland on Thursday.
However, it is believed that the left-back will be missing for only 10 to 12 days, meaning that he should be available for El Clasico.
Barcelona will play twice before their clash with Real Madrid, welcoming Athletic in La Liga before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
November will then start with a trip to Real Sociedad in Spain's top flight, before the reverse European fixture with Shakhtar takes place.
Barcelona are still unbeaten in all competitions during a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign, winning eight and drawing three of their 11 matches.
Matt Law
