The superb commitment of Jules Kounde

The fact that Jules Koundé has been included in Xavi's squad for the Clasico was a great surprise. The French player has shown his commitment to the club with a miraculous recovery that has meant he can sit on the bench at the Olimpico this afternoon and the coach can call on him if needed.

Koundé was injured in Granada in a league game on 8 October when Gavi accidentally fell on his knee. He suffered a sprained inner lateral ligament in his left knee. No recovery time was given, but it was estimated that the centre-back would not be able to play again for five weeks.

From that same day, Koundé set to work and has managed to cut the timeframe considerably, being fit to play in three weeks. From the dressing room they point out that "the effort he has made to recover for the Clasico has been brutal. He has shown his commitment to the squad".

The Frenchman came into training to everyone's surprise, including Xavi himself, on Friday and after the session he told the coach that he was ready to help, as he had not felt any discomfort in his knee.

Until the injury, Koundé had been a key player for Xavi in the centre of defence. He had only started one of the nine league games played, having played the full 90 minutes in the rest of them. In the Champions League, he had also played the full matches against Antwerp and Porto.