Robert Lewandowski miracle? Polish striker could be fit for Clasico

Robert Lewandowski is just one step away from completing a minor miracle. The Polish striker is still not fully recovered from his grade II ankle sprain but is still willing to make an effort to help Barça in Saturday's Clasico.

The striker's feelings over the last 48 hours have catapulted forward and a final decision will be made on Friday. However, the club believe that, if there is no regression, 'Lewy' will ask to be part of the squad this Friday. The former Bayern man will be tested tomorrow at a slightly higher intensity. If his ankle responds minimally, everything indicates that he will sit on the bench against Ancelotti's team, something unexpected considering the expected timescale for his recovery.

The club admit that the Pole is not at one hundred per cent, but his type of play allows him to try to be of help despite being without the competitive chip after his absence in recent weeks. The idea is that Robert could be on the bench and participate only in case of maximum necessity for the team coached by Xavi Hernandez. In other words, it cannot be ruled out that the attacker could be on the bench but in the end he may not play.

On the other hand, infiltration is not a real option, as the player would be more inclined to avoid a practice that could be detrimental. Neither will Frenkie de Jong, who, despite improving his recovery, will not make it in time for the match.

Raphinha is the one to be optimistic about. The Brazilian is recovered and Xavi thinks of him as a card to play in the second half. The winger will have to confirm his good sensations tomorrow, but in his case there is solid optimism that he will be in the squad.