Ernesto Valverde is without just one first-team player as Barcelona get set to welcome Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou in a top of the table clash on Sunday.
The La Liga title race will take a dramatic turn when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid face off in a top of the table six-pointer at Camp Nou on Sunday. With the stakes higher than ever before this season, Ernesto Valverde, during his pre-match press conference, acknowledged the importance of three points in such a game at this stage of the campaign.
“FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two strong teams who are fighting for the title. The three points are highly valuable, because it’s a game between teams in first and second place. We have the intention of leaving Atletico Madrid 8 points behind us. That would be a big leap up in the standings. Now the games are being counted down, not added up.”
The Barcelona manager’s aim to widen the gap to eight points will certainly not be hindered by any shortage of personnel, with just one first-team player on the treatment table. Nelson Semedo is recovering from a hamstring injury that should keep him sidelined for the rest of the month.
In the absence of the Portuguese defender, Sergi Roberto is expected to be deployed as the right-back once again. At the heart of the Barcelona defence, the wily and experienced Gerard Pique should return after being rested in the midweek game against Las Palmas, partnering Samuel Umtiti.
Jordi Alba is also set to return to the starting lineup, having served a one-match ban in the same game. Behind the back four, Marc-Andre ter Stegen should take up his customary place in goal once again.
Up ahead in midfield, Valverde might revert to a trio, with Ivan Rakitic returning to the side to line up alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, with Paulinho and Aleix Vidal – left out of the squad entirely – dropping out.
In attack, the usual strike partnership of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi should have Philippe Coutinho for company, with the Brazilian starting to strike a fine understanding with the duo. Ousmane Dembele and Paco Alcacer will be the options on the bench, if need be.