Barcelona take on Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League play-off round tie on Thursday at Camp Nou – but they could be without midfielder Gavi in the second leg.
Xavi’s side have a few injury concerns going into the hotly-anticipated clash in Spain, with Ousmane Dembele ruled out with a leg injury.
Sergio Busquets, meanwhile, sprained his ankle in the 3-0 La Liga win over Sevilla on February 5, and is considered a major doubt.
Ronald Araujo picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during Saturday’s league victory over Cadiz, but his subsequent one-game ban only applies to La Liga so he will be available to face United.
Ten Hag’s side, meanwhile, have injury concerns of their own, with both Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen out through injury. Marcel Sabitzer is serving a one-game ban, and will be back in contention for the second leg.
But Barcelona will need to be careful to make sure that Gavi does not suffer the same fate.
Barcelona star could be suspended
Gavi is one more yellow card away from a one-game Europa League suspension this season – even though Barca have not played in the competition this term.
That is because the 18-year-old starlet picked up two bookings in the Champions League group stages, and the yellow cards carry over to any other UEFA competition that the team plays in. He will, therefore, miss the second leg against United if he is booked on Thursday.
The midfielder has established himself as one of Barcelona’s key players, despite only being promoted to the first team last season. He has made 31 appearances in all competitions this term, and played in all four of Spain’s games at the World Cup.
Busquets, meanwhile, has picked up three yellow cards this season, but served his one-match ban during the side’s final Champions League group game against Viktoria Plzen. Therefore, if the veteran midfielder is passed fit, he will be able to play against United.
Lisandro Martinez is missing for Ten Hag‘s side, however, having picked up three yellow cards in the Europa League group stage. He will be available for the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday, along with Sabitzer, who picked up three bookings whilst playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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