The Camp now clash could give the Blaugrana a 12-point lead over Real in the La Liga title race, with only 12 games left to play this season.
However, Xavi is without an important midfielder Pedrowho offered to return from a hamstring injury in time for the game amid conflicting reports about his fitness.
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Pedri retired from Spain’s squad for internationals later this month before being left out of Barca’s squad for tonight’s game.
Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out for Barcelona after top scorer Robert Lewandowski came back from injury for last week’s win over Athletic Club. Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is also back from suspension today.
Sergi Roberto replaces Ferran Torres for a switch to a 4-4-2 system.
Meanwhile, Real were anxiously awaiting Karim Benzema’s fitness after taking a knock mid-week.
The 35-year-old limped out of the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League victory over Liverpool shortly after scoring the winner and he subsequently missed practice on Friday. However, he is considered suitable for El Clásico.
Ferland Mendy is back in the Madrid squad, but David Alaba and Álvaro Rodriguez are unavailable as Los Blancos have appointed an unchanged squad.
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Sergi Roberto, Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Leaf, Lewandowski.
Subs: Fati, Torres, Pena, Marcos Alonso, Alba, Kessie, Garcia, Torre, Tenas, Alarcon.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Duckweed; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Subs: Lunin, Lopez, Vallejo, Hazard, Tchouameni, Asensio, Odriozola, Vazquez, Ceballos, Mariano, Mendy, Rodrygo.