Spain midfielder Xavi, who has just been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, returned to training with the rest of the Barcelona squad on Thursday and could feature when Sevilla visit on Saturday.
Xavi has missed Barca's last two matches to continue recovery work on his injured Achilles. Argentine defender Gabriel Milito is also back from a thigh injury.
Sevilla's last visit to the Nou Camp, for the Spanish Super Cup second leg in late August, ended in a 4-0 defeat.
"We had the chance to go top (two weeks ago when Real drew) and it wasn't to be, but we haven't given up hope," Venezuelan striker Jefferson Montero told reporters. "If we continue the good work we'll have a chance because Real could slip up."
"He has played a load of games since the start of last season and there comes a time when your body says you need a rest," he said. "He needs to recover physically and mentally to be the Forlan we all recognise again."
Basement side Real Zaragoza won their first game this season when they beat second division Real Betis 1-0 away in the King's Cup on Wednesday, giving them a lift for the trip to play fourth-placed Valencia on Saturday.
"We've been waiting a long time for a win and it will strengthen us," coach Jose Aurelio Gay said. "Hopefully it will mark a turning point."
