Barça’s Calm After the Clásico Storm: Lewandowski Returns and Injury Woes Face Barça’s Revival

Recovery Mode: Barça Reboot After Clasico

Barcelona players returned to training after their 2-1 Clasico defeat to Real Madrid in the tenth round of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu. The squad held a light session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with a sense of cautious optimism.

In encouraging news, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski took part in part of the session as he works to recover from a left thigh muscle injury, joining those not in the starting XI against Madrid for some extra work.

As the coaching staff gave the group a day off, several stars kept at the club, with Lewandowski continuing individual work to finish his recovery and target the next league match against Elche.

Fermin Lopez was among those present, bringing his usual high energy to cement his place in midfield, while Jules Kounde continued his rehabilitation and Eric Garcia attended for further physical preparation.

The Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who delivered a standout performance in the Clasico, kept working alongside Pedri and Rony Bardge.

Pedri, however, will miss the Elche game due to accrued bookings after playing in all 13 league matches this season.

On the injury front, Ter Stegen, Rafinha, Gavi, and Christensen continued their treatment back at the club, as the team manages a cautious return for players.

The medical staff remains wary over Rafinha’s post injury setback, with a return still penciled in after the international break in mid November.

Gavi arrived early with his father to undertake personal rehab, and Christensen continued his leg muscle treatment as part of his recovery plan.

Meanwhile, the club focus stays on regaining depth and consistency as they prepare to resume domestic competition, with coach Hans Flick aiming to restore Barca to winning ways as soon as possible.

Barca’s leadership remains calm, trusting the project as they navigate a delicate phase after a Clasico setback, hopeful that the current injuries will ease and performances will bounce back.

According to Sport, feelings inside the club swing between worry and belief in the project, which has been built around a successful start under Flick’s leadership last season but now requires resilience to maintain form amid rising expectations.

While victories delighted Catalonia, the criticism grew as the team’s form dipped, but Flick’s work with a young core has earned praise for fostering growth and giving players a chance to prove themselves.

Defensive pressure and injuries have increased risk, as Barca’s aggressive approach carries some risk, but it has historically yielded more benefits than drawbacks.

The German coach has been working to fix the defensive issues without abandoning his tactical principles, yet the system has not fully regained its previous effectiveness.

In addition to that, injuries forced Barcelona to go into the clash at the Bernabeu with more absences than Madrid, limiting tactical options. The need to restore depth will be crucial for the upcoming matches.

Rafinha and the forwards faced a harsh blow with the absences, while Gavi and Pedri’s returns will be welcomed once the discipline issues are resolved.

Amid this, the club is hoping Yamal can recover from his groin problem in time for the next matches, with a full return targeted after the November international window.

Javi left early for recovery, balancing his rehab with support from fans and staff, as the injury list tests Barca’s depth. Christensen continues rehabilitation, while Ter Stegen returns to a lighter program.

In summary, Barca’s plan is to weather the storm with measured steps and bring the squad back to peak readiness ahead of the next domestic clash, in a bid to reassert control and regain momentum under Flick’s project.

Despite a subdued image recently, the club remains hopeful for an improved run, with Sport noting a balance of caution and belief in the project as Barca seeks to reestablish balance and momentum.

As the team regrouped, the club has to be mindful that the high bar set last season could spur excessive expectations, but the focus is on sustainable progress and a return to the European summit.

Sniper punchline 1: Barca’s defense is so stealthy, even the strikers can’t find the back of the net—until they do, then pretend nothing happened.

Sniper punchline 2: If patience were a player, Barca would have him starting every game, and still somehow be late to kickoff with a smile.