After a two-week hiatus due to the international break, Barcelona will return to action this weekend when they face off against Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday.
Prior to the break, the Blaugrana had demolished arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu and may feel that the international window might have come at the wrong time. And they will be hoping to carry on from where they left off against Los Nervionenses.
Currently third on the table, Barça are just three points shy of second-placed Sevilla and have a game in hand as well. So, a victory would put Xavi & co. in a good position to end the campaign as runners-up, while an unlikely tilt at the title cannot be ruled out either.
Given the situation, every game becomes a must-win for Barcelona and ensuring the availability of every key player becomes pivotal.
So, heading into Sunday’s encounter, Barcelona will be wary of the situation of three key players in Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia, who are just one booking away from a suspension.
Indeed, the midfield mainstay and the two centre-halves are currently on four yellow cards. And should they get booked on Sunday against Julen Lopetegui’s side, they will stand to miss the next La Liga clash against Levante, who can be a dangerous opponent.
Apart from Araujo, de Jong and Garcia, youngster Ez Abde is also on four yellows and faces the risk of suspension. However, he has not been involved much in the senior setup of late, with Xavi already spoilt for choices in the forward line.
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