Jules Kounde is set to make a timely return to the Barcelona defence for Sunday's El Clasico at Bernabeu.

The Frenchman has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring problem while representing his country during the September international break.

Kounde returned to training earlier this week, though, and the summer arrival from Sevilla is expected to be thrown straight back into the starting XI, potentially taking Gerard Pique's spot.

Barcelona remain without the services of Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, Ronald Araujo and Memphis Depay through injury, but they have no fresh fitness concerns from the side that drew 3-3 with Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

As mentioned, Kounde is likely to replace Pique at the back, while Alejandro Balde could come into the side at left-back at the expense of Marcos Alonso.

Frenkie de Jong is allegedly being considered for a start in midfield, but it seems likely that head coach Xavi will stick with his first-choice three of Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets.

Robert Lewandowski is a certain starter in the final third of the field, with the Poland international scoring 14 times in 12 appearances for the club since arriving from Bayern Munich.

Ousmane Dembele is also set to feature in the final third of the field, while there could be a start for Ansu Fati, with the teenager potentially coming in for Raphinha.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati

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