Barcelona boss Xavi has hinted that Robert Lewandowski is closing in on a return from injury amid suggestions that the forward will be fit for El Clasico at the end of the month.

The Poland international has been in strong form for the La Liga champions this season, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.

Lewandowski was absent against Granada before the international break, though, due to an ankle injury which he picked up in the Champions League contest with Porto on October 4.

The 35-year-old will again be missing against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, but there have been claims that he could return for the clash with Real Madrid on October 28.

When asked for an update on his progress, Xavi said that the forward "has a very good feeling", suggesting that a return against Carlo Ancelotti's team is a serious possibility.

"He has a very good feeling. He's a great leader and always goes forward, he wants to be there and he's hurting less and less every day. He always pulls himself forward," Xavi told reporters during a press conference.

Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal have both been declared fit for the clash with Athletic this weekend, but Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri remain unavailable.

"The player's feelings will tell when he will arrive. We won't force anyone. Feelings are the key and they will mark the return of all of them," Xavi said when asked about when the injured players could return.

Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw by Granada before the international break, with the result leaving them in third position in the La Liga table, and Xavi is expecting a "difficult" test against Athletic on the team's return to the field.

"Athletic are very strong physically and technically gifted. [Ernesto] Valverde is a great coach and likes to press high," said the head coach. "I'm expecting a difficult opponent, we have some injuries but that's no excuse. We need our fans, there is a great atmosphere at Montjuic.

'At the start of the season, we've had some great moments of playing well. We must recover our ideology and get the three points by playing well. We are in a situation with a lot of absentees but it won't be an excuse for the game and to be able to play well."

Barcelona are currently preparing for three home games in a row, as they will also host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League next week before the contest with Real Madrid. body check tags ::