Barcelona are already dealing with a number of injuries ahead of their crucial El Clasico clash with Real Madrid on Sunday. However concern continues to rise, after a fresh doubt emerged on Thursday, with the absence of Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder has no injury, but Sport report that de Jong missed training as he was not feeling well, with an intestinal issue. De Jong is a key part of Hansi Flick’s side, and in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has been captaining Barcelona for much of the German’s tenure. There is no decisive timeline given for his recovery.

Andreas Christensen still absent

The reason that Barcelona may be more concerned about de Jong’s illness is the precedent set by Andreas Christensen. The Danish defender missed their clash with Olympiakos on Tuesday due to gastroentiritis, and was again absent from training on Thursday. Should de Jong be laid low for a similar amount of time, then he will be missing from El Clasico.

Positive news for Barcelona in the form of Raphinha

The positive for the Blaugrana is that Raphinha and Ferran Torres trained at full pelt without any issues. The latter returned to the matchday squad on Tuesday after missing the 2-1 win over Girona, but was expected to be back. This is the first time the Brazilian has been back in training since before the international break, when he picked up an injury against Real Oviedo. Both are set to be fit for Sunday.

Ronald Araújo could return to the starting XI against Real Madrid. @scapde_45

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 23, 2025

Barcelona’s midfield options

Christensen and de Jong join a list of absences that already includes ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo. If the Dutchman is not fit to play, it seems likely Marc Casado will continue alongside Pedri in midfield, with Fermin Lopez ahead of them. Marc Bernal is the only natural alternative, although Eric Garcia can play in midfield too. Bernal is yet to start following his ACL injury appearing for just 31 minutes in four games, hence it is highly unlikely Flick would throw him into El Clasico.