Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto miss out on a return for Monday night’s clash against Real Valladolid in La Liga.
FC Barcelona sees duo Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto miss out on a return for Monday night’s clash against Real Valladolid in La Liga.
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Pique has been plagued by knee injuries in recent months and suffered a fresh setback in the Copa del Rey semi-final remontada victory over Sevilla but his prolonged absence has been notable.
That has sidelined him for the past four weeks and whilst he had been anticipated to return for this La Liga clash against Valladolid, it has come too early for him.
Sergi Roberto has returned to training following two successive two-month layoffs from injuries in his right thigh.
Primarily a central midfielder, Sergi Roberto Barcelona has been utilised as a right-back most prominently for the club in recent campaigns and looks to regain the position, which has been occupied by Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza in recent months.
The duo has returned to training but are not risked for tonight’s clash at the Camp Nou and are more likely to return for next week’s El Clasico against Los Blancos.
Heading into this game, Ronald Koeman will be without the services of Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati. Gerard Pique is also a doubt for this game and is unlikely to be risked with El Clasico up next. Meanwhile, besides the Lionel Messi return, defender Jordi Alba, midfielder Sergio Busquets and forward Antoine Griezman are all expected to start the game.
On the other hand, Sergio Gonzalez will have a nightmare when it comes to the team selection as the Valladolid boss may have up to 12 players unavailable after a COVID-19 outbreak hit his squad. Jota, Kiko Olivas and Raul Carnero are sidelined for this fixture while Jawad El Yamik, Fede San Emeterio, and Shon Weissman are doubts. Meanwhile, Roberto, Joaquin Fernandez, Luis Perez, Michel Herrero, and Kike Perez will miss this clash due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Barcelona predicted starting line-up: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Oscar Mingueza, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet; Sergino Dest, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Jordi Alba; Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele
Real Valladolid predicted starting line-up: Jordi Masip; Saidy Janko, Bruno Gonzalez, Javi Sanchez, Lucas Olaza; Oscar Plano, Roque Mesa, Ruben Alcaraz, Toni Villa; Kenan Kodro, Sergi Guardiola