Barcelona v Real Madrid: Alba trending in the right direction

Jordi Alba looks set to be in the line up for Barcelona when they face Real Madrid on Sunday after taking part in training on Saturday.

The Blaugrana head into the game off the back of wins over Valencia and Dynamo Kiev with Alba picking up an ankle injury in the latter.

Discomfort

The left-back did manage to finish the game but head coach Ronald Koeman revealed he had been feeling some discomfort in the joint, putting his participation in doubt.

However, Alba was out training with the rest of the team on Saturday and Koeman has said he expects the Spain international to be available to start, naming him in his matchday squad.

Alba's quick recovery is a big boost for Koeman, who could be without several first team regulars for the game, including Pedri due to a knee injury.

El Clasico comes too soon for Ousmane Dembele, who only returned to light training after a lengthy layoff this week, while Ronald Araujo and Martin Braithwaite are also sidelined.

Pique prepared

After two important wins, Barcelona have a bit of confidence heading into the Clasico, although skipper Gerard Pique has insisted form goes out the window when it comes to facing Real Madrid.

"In a Clasico, you come in as equals, there are no favourites," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"The Clasico is totally separate from the dynamics. We have had some moments of crisis, but we are recovering. We both arrive with quite similar dynamics."