Barcelona midfielder will miss Osasuna clash next weekend due to suspension

Young midfielder Nico Gonzalez will miss Barcelona’s next league match against Osasuna after picking his fifth booking against Elche in a 2-1 win. 

Coming on as a second-half substitute for Frenkie de Jong in the 68th minute, the 20-year-old fouled Guido Carrillo to receive his fifth booking of the season and thus earning an automatic suspension for the home match against Osasuna on March 13.

Fortunately for Xavi, the 42-year-old has several options at his disposal, including that of Sergio Busquets, de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, and Riqui Puig. On the other hand, though, a certain Ronald Araujo will be at risk against Osasuna as he is one yellow card away from suspension.

If the 22-year-old does end up in the referee’s book, he will be unavailable for selection for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on March 20.

Now, Barcelona have shown extreme improvement in several areas under Xavi but unfortunately, discipline isn’t one of them. Since the day he has walked into the team, players have been throwing unnecessary challenges and thus earning automatic suspensions.

Take for example Nico himself. Three of his five yellow cards have come in his last four appearances and what’s even more baffling is that he didn’t even start any of those games.

Experienced left-back Jordi Alba received his fifth booking against Valencia, forcing him to serve his suspension against Athletic Club. Furthermore, veteran defender Gerard Pique has already been suspended twice this season while midfielder Sergio Busquets once.

Not to forget 17-year-old Gavi, who has been suspended thrice this season, once due to a red card in the form of a double booking.

Frenkie de Jong is the other player on the verge of his second suspension of the season. The former Ajax man has three yellow cards to his name and is only two bookings away from being suspended.