Laporta hopeful for El Clasico as few key players returned to squad

Barcelona will play against on-form Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia this evening for an opportunity to advance to the

final against either Atletico Madrid or Athletic Club on Sunday. 

They do so after a poor season in which they presently lie outside the top four, while Real Madrid leads

 by five points. 

However, there is still reason to be optimistic for the Catalans, who have welcomed back a couple of crucial players ahead of their journey to Riyadh.

Ansu Fati has successfully rehabilitated from a long-term injury, Pedri might play his sixth match of the season, and there is even a chance for Ferran Torres, who has finally been officially certified as the team's player. 

These considerations are the primary reasons for President Laporta's hope, which he has sent to Real Madrid in the form of a warning.

“It’s the first time having a Clásico outside Spain and we have come from Barcelona with the will to win,” he told 

.

“We have recovered various injured players and today we will be able to count on players that until now haven’t been able to start.

“We are very hopeful in this game, we have the strength of very talented youngsters.”

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