Barcelona striker Joao Felix has stepped up to calm fears that he suffered an injury against Shakhtar on Wednesday.
The Portugal international was substituted late after picking up a knock, raising fears he could land on Barca’s long injury list ahead of the El Clasico.
However, Felix insisted on social media that he was fine and would be ready for the big game in Montjuic on Saturday.
“I am good!” Joao Felix wrote on Instagram Stories. “It was just a knock on the door. Time to regroup and get ready for the next game.”
Xavi, who is now stuck with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Sergi Roberto, will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief.
It is thought Pedri will not return in time to face Madrid but there is optimism that Lewandowski, Raphinha and De Jong can provide the crucial draw.
Even if not, Xavi has plenty of exciting youngsters fighting for minutes. Fermin Lopez and Marc Guiu played in Barça’s last two matches and are making great efforts to qualify.
