Just in: Barcelona duo set to return against Atletico Madrid clash; Kounde practically ruled out

Just in: Barcelona duo set to return against Atletico Madrid clash; Kounde practically ruled out Barcelona are continuing their preparations for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Atletico Madrid away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. And, ahead of the trip to the Spanish capital, the Blaugrana have received some encouraging news on the fitness front, with two players set to return to action. Eric Garcia, Christensen to return Indeed, according to Carlos Monfort of SPORT , Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are both ready and set to return to the squad to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Garcia has been out of action since last month’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis after picking up a thigh injury during the match. The versatile defender went on to miss key games against PSG and Real Madrid, while sitting out of the subsequent clashes against Alaves and Aston Villa. Christensen set to return. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) However, in a positive update, Garcia has returned to group training with the rest of the squad today and will be in the squad to face Diego Simeone’s side. As for Christensen, the veteran defender has been out of action for close to two months now, having sustained a thigh strain during a La Liga clash against Sevilla. Given his history with injuries, Barcelona have opted not to take any risks with the Danish international and give him ample time to recover fully. Now, as per the report, he is understood to be ready to make a comeback. No Jules Kounde However, there is some bad news as well for Barcelona heading into the Atletico Madrid clash as Jules Kounde has yet to resume training with the team. Indeed, as pr the report, the French international did not train today and was not even at the Ciutat Esportiva . Kounde practically ruled out. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) This pretty much rules the versatile defender out of contention for the trip to Atletico Madrid this Sunday. Along with Kounde, Barcelona will also be without key midfielder Rodri, who suffered an injury against Aston Villa earlier this week. Dani Olmo and Xavi Espart also remain unavailable for the Blaugrana while Roony Bardghji remains a long-term absentee. Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid knowing that their opponents are only two points behind them and a defeat would send Hansi Flick & co. down to the second place heading into the international break.