Barcelona midfielder Pedri has admitted he is hopeful of returning from his hamstring injury in time to face Real Madrid later this month.
The 20-year-old picked up the problem back in August and has now missed eight games in all competitions, with that tally expected to grow over the coming weeks.
In a conversation with fans on The Residency (via Sport), Pedri confirmed that he will miss Sunday's visit to Granada but has his sights set on the clash with Real Madrid on 28 October.
"Fortunately, everything has gone very well and I'm almost there," Pedri said. "Soon, after the break, I hope to be ready."
Asked specifically about El Clasico, Pedri added: "If everything goes well, I'll be at my best."
Barcelona will face Athletic Club after the international break and also have a Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk to look forward to before the highly anticipated meeting with Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Barcelona have been struggling in midfield in recent weeks. Frenkie de Jong has picked up an injury, while Gavi was shown a red card in the Champions League in midweek and will now miss the Shakhtar game through suspension.
Despite the limited options available to Xavi, Pedri backed his teammates to pull through.
"Barca has a great squad and, whoever plays, they always do a good job," he stressed.
After eight games of the current season, Real Madrid have opened up a one-point lead atop the La Liga standings, but Ancelotti's side have a tough test against Osasuna on Saturday before Barcelona take to the field against Granada 24 hours later.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Pedri eyeing return from injury in El Clasico.
