Xavi will not get back any players for Shakhtar clash

Nothing is to be rushed. Precedents call for caution. And a relapse now would be fatal with the dense calendar in the last two months of the year. Barring an unexpected twist, Xavi will not get any of the injured players back for the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk next Wednesday.

None of them trained this Monday or done any work with the group in the recovery session carried out 'post' Athletic Bilbao. And SPORT have learned it is very unlikely that any of the six who are in the medical room will be able to come in. Another thing is the Clasico.

Pedri is getting better and better and is getting fitter. But, as we have already repeated, there will be no rushing into anything. The feelings of the player and the doctors will dictate what happens. Raphinha is another who could be close, but in his case with his sights set on the clásico. He has a chance of being there.

Lewandowski is very tight. It will be quite difficult for him, although he will try until the end. De Jong and Koundé are practically ruled out. And Sergi Roberto, of course.

There was speculation that some of them could have a few minutes against the Ukrainian side so that they could be ready for Saturday's Clásico, but it looks like that won't be the case. It seems complicated that tomorrow, for example, Raphinha will do a part of the training session with the group and then be included in the Shakhtar squad.

Thus, the coach from Terrassa will have to use what he has. The list will be very similar to yesterday's against Athletic. One change, however, is certain. Unai Hernández cannot be registered in the Champions League. He hasn't been at the club for more than two years, which is mandatory if you haven't been included in the A list. And we imagine that Marc Casadó, who is already on the list, will be included.