Ivan Rakitic Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Calf and Return

Barcelona's run of injury misfortune continued on Nov. 4 when Ivan Rakitic was forced to withdraw from their Champions League clash against BATE Borisov with a calf injury. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Rakitic Cleared to Return for El Clasico

Saturday, Nov. 21 

Barcelona named Rakitic in their starting lineup for the match against Real Madrid.

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Rakitic Returns to Training

Monday, Nov. 16

Barcelona confirmed Rakitic's participation in today's session, sharing a video of his participation alongside Lionel Messi.

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Rakitic Diagnosed with Rupture in Calf

Wednesday, Nov. 4

Sport cited the official Barcelona club website, which reported Rakitic had suffered "a small rupture in his right calf," an untimely absence given Javier Mascherano is suspended, although the Argentine will be available for El Clasico.

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Rakitic's Injury Adds to Barcelona's Injury Woes

The Blaugrana have already lost Rafinha to an anterior cruciate ligament injury this season, while fellow midfielders Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto have also suffered knocks in weeks gone by.

Both Iniesta and Roberto were in the starting lineup alongside Rakitic against BATE and will bear a greater responsibility in shoring up Luis Enrique's midfield during their team-mate's recovery.

Munir El Haddadi, who came on to replace Rakitic against BATE, may be given more senior playing time should Barca's bad luck continue, with the club counting down the days until the January transfer window.