Barcelona receive fitness boost with two key stars named in squad to face Athletic Club

Barcelona have been handed a much-needed fitness boost ahead of their La Liga clash with Athletic Club on Sunday night.

Manager Xavi is struggling with a number of injuries to key players in his squad, including Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Pedri, Sergi Roberto and Raphinha.

None of those stars have been included in Barca's matchday squad which was announced on Sunday. However, two players who were injury doubts during the week have pulled through and are now set to feature.

Lamine Yamal was absent from Spain duty during the international break as he worked on solving a hip flexor problem. He was pictured returning to training during the week and will now likely make his sixth league start of the campaign after being included in Xavi's squad.

Also back just in time is Alejandro Balde. The left-back was sent home from Luis de la Fuente's side after he suffered a hamstring knock in the win over Scotland and wasn't involved in the 1-0 victory in Norway.

However, he is also named in the squad and should start in his natural position on the left.

Barca can close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid with victory over Athletic on Sunday before El Clasico next week. Barca are hopeful a number of their injured first-teamers will recover in time to face Los Blancos, who saw their four-game winning run ended with a 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Saturday.

Andreas Christensen is expected to partner Ronald Araujo in central defence, with Ferran Torres and Joao Felix carrying the goalscoring burden alongside Yamal in Lewandowski's absence.

Barca also return to the Champions League in midweek, squaring off with Shakhtar Donetsk as they chase a third win in Europe this season.

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