18 Players in Barcelona squad to face Real Madrid

Messi, Suárez and Neymar in training ahead of El Clásico | Image: FCB

FC Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the 2016/2017 season as they look to reduce their six point deficit to three in La Liga and move closer to their arch rivals at the top of the standings.

Barça played draws in each of their last two games in La Liga and have been quite unconvincing in their recent performances of late. The Catalans will be looking to correct this on Saturday evening at the Camp Nou and coach Luis Enrique has named his squad list for the highly anticipated tie.

The big news is the return of captain and key player Andres Iniesta to the squad. The Spaniard just returned from an injury after being given the medical greenlight to feature and it's possible he starts the game. Samuel Umtiti also returned to the Liga squad after playing 45 minutes in Barcelona's 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Hercules on Wednesday.

Jeremy Mathieu is still out injured. Jordi Masip was dropped as well as Aleix Vidal and Rafinha Alcántara.

BARÇA SQUAD VS REAL MADRID

Goalkeepers: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Jasper Cillessen;

Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne;

Midfielders: Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Denis Suarez, Arda Turan;

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Paco Alcacer, Neymar