The Barcelona centre-back, Gerard Pique, injured his ankle during the game against Spartak Moscow and he is currently facing a race against time in order to get fit for El Clasico.
Barcelona will be missing two of their most important defenders when they take on their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, over the weekend.
While it has been confirmed that Carles Puyol will be out of action for up to eight weeks, Gerard Pique’s inclusion in the squad is a 50/50.
The Spaniard injured his ankle during the game against Spartak Moscow as he limped out during the first half of the game.
Pique has been instrumental for Barcelona in most of their games.
While http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carles-Puyol-c8331 was out injured, Pique formed an exquisite partnership with former Argentinean captain, Javier Mascherano.
The two are able to hold things down perfectly at the back. However, with Carles Puyol and Pique in the team, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 are far more solid at the back.
While La Blaugrana are going to take on their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, things might get difficult for them as Tito Vilanova will have to rely on Alex Song and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Mascherano-c18071.
Both these players are not natural centre-backs as both of them played in the holding midfield position and while Josep Guardiola converted Javier Mascherano to become a centre-back, Tito Vilanova is converting http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-Song-c4804 into one.
The two will be vulnerable at the back and Barcelona definitely require the services of the Spanish defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique.
The Spanish midfielder, Xavi Hernandez, spoke about his team-mate, Gerard Pique, and his fitness before the game against Los Blancos.
Xavi stated that he has seen Gerard Pique in the gym and even though he has not trained for 10 days, if he is fit to play against Real Madrid, Vilanova will definitely play him.
However, the Spaniard also stated that Pique’s chances of being in the squad are only 50 percent.
While speaking about the Spanish defender, Xavi Hernandez said:
“Pique is doing everything he can to play. He has been 10 days without training and it's difficult. I've seen him in the gym. I think it’s 50/50 whether he plays or not.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid will be facing each other on Sunday, 7th October, 2012.
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