Rakitic could be fit for the Clasico next weekend

Everyone is looking at Lonel Messi’s movements to see if he will be ready for the Clasico, but there’s another Barcelona player also fighting against the clock to be ready for Real Madrid - Ivan Rakitic. 

In the Croatian midfielder’s case, it now seems he has a good chance of being ready for the encounter at Camp Nou. 

It’s good news for Luis Enrique after Rakitic limped off against BATE in the Champions League last week with a calf injury. 

The club’s statement on the injury said he would miss Villarreal, but didn’t add any further details, although some reports said he could be out for a month, which would have ruled him out of the Clasico. 

However, the information filtering out of the dressing room and from the player himself open the door to a miracle Real return. 

First it was Ivan Rakitic who posted a photo and a comment on social media: “Working hard to return stronger,” he wrote. 

One day later, there was a video of the Croatian working on his rehabilitation at the Ciutat Esportiva, confirming his good sensations. 

Rakitic, who is working with Juanjo Brau, could return to training with the group next week and will hope to receive the all clear on Friday to travel to the Spanish capital. 

If everything goes to plan, he could be in Luis Enrique’s squad for the top of the table clash at the Bernabeu on November 21.