An explanation for the absence of midfielder Gavi from Barcelona’s matchday setup against Real Madrid has been provided on Saturday evening.
For those not aware, the latest edition of Spanish football’s fiercest rivalry is due to play out in short order.
The matchup in question will see the aforementioned Barcelona go head-to-head with Real Madrid, for pre-season Clasico bragging rights.
Ahead of proceedings getting underway at the AT&T Stadium, the two sides’ respective matchday squads, in turn, were unveiled a short time ago.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has opted for a strong starting XI, backed by a head-turning bench featuring the talents of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger and more:
📋✅ Our starting XI 🆚 @FCBarcelona#RealMadridOnTour pic.twitter.com/Uwqs4BPh7Z
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 29, 2023
Barcelona, meanwhile, hand starts to summer arrivals Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan, alongside the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, and Robert Lewandowski:
🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/O6zLgdsG8c
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 29, 2023
Though he is featured in Barca’s matchday graphic across social media, as per multiple Spanish sources, the 18-year-old has been ruled out of El Clasico.
This comes, according to Mundo Deportivo, with Gavi continuing to struggle with a back concern.
🚨🌕 Gavi will not play in El Clasico because he still has back pain. @mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/JBLl19njIm
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 29, 2023
Manchester City identify Riyad Mahrez replacement
Manchester United target left out of squad as agreement nears
