Countdown to Clasico: Barcelona's Clever Comeback Plan with Yamal and Rafinha
9 October 2025
Barça's planned return for the Clasico
Less than three weeks before the season's first Clasico, Barcelona remains unsure whether Lamine Yamal can travel to the Santiago Bernabeu.
After a setback from a groin issue that worsened during the September international window, the 18-year-old is expected to miss two to three weeks.
Therefore, he is expected to be back in time for the Real Madrid showdown, though doubts remain about starting at 100 percent at the Bernabeu. Still, Barcelona is determined to lean on its young star in the sport's biggest rivalry.
Timeline of the comeback plan
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has sketched a plan to have Yamal fit for the Clasico. The idea begins with a return against Girona after the international window, allowing him 30 to 45 minutes to regain a competitive feel and test his body's responses.
Next, Barcelona hopes he can feature as a starter in the Champions League match against Olympiakos, playing 60 to 70 minutes to sharpen his finishing before facing Real Madrid five days later.
In addition to Yamal, Fermín López and Rafinha are expected to be in peak physical condition for the Clasico and could rejoin the starting XI at the Bernabéu.
Barça clearly needs the strongest possible lineup to take on Real Madrid and maintain the momentum from last season's Clasico.
And just to end on a high note, if the groin cooperates, the bench might need a bigger snack area than a cafe next to a stadium. If not, there’s always the next Clasico to test our optimism.
