Barcelona welcome 2 star players back for the Clasico

Ronald Koeman has received a double injury boost ahead of FC Barcelona’s latest Clasico showdown with arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto have been recalled into the 23-man Barcelona squad ahead of Saturday’s Clasico with Real Madrid.

Pique has been out with a right knee injury since scoring that crucial second goal in the 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Sevilla on March 3.

The 34-year-old’s injury resulted from having returned too early from his previous one, a torn ACL from a La Liga match against Atletico Madrid last November. Therefore, Ronald Koeman took a more cautious approach to his recovery this time.

LATEST NEWS | @3gerardpique and @SergiRoberto10 are fit and in the squad for #ElClásico! pic.twitter.com/hKCPFrNa5i

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 9, 2021

Pique, however, was determined to return for the Clasico. The Catalan returned to group training recently, steadily increased his workload as the weekend approached, and was due to undergo late fitness tests.

Now Barcelona have confirmed Pique is back along with Roberto, who also returns from a long layoff. The full-back previously ruptured his right hamstring against Atletico in November and has only played twice since then.

Despite missing training on Thursday due to the birth of his daughter, Alba, Antoine Griezmann is also available. While Miralem Pjanic and Ronald Araujo both appear to have overcome their respective ankle problems.