Ahead of the latest El Clasico, Flick has been boosted by the return of Alejandro Balde to training. The left-back has not featured since sustaining a hamstring injury in the win over Leganes last month, but is in contention to start against Real Madrid.

Top-level football clubs need midfielders who can make a difference in the centre of the pitch, and both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have several quality players in that position.

Barcelona must recover from its painful Champions League exit in time to face Real Madrid on Sunday with the La Liga title on the line.