Four Barcelona players risk missing Athletic Club clash due to suspension

Barcelona seem to be facing the wrath of accumulated bookings all at once, with several players facing or coming very close to suspension in La Liga.

Both Gavi and Xavi are set to miss the Catalans’ clash against Valencia later today for the same reason. The midfielder and the manager will return to action for the team’s Matchday 25 fixture against Athletic Club.

Yet, that does not go to say that the team will be without absentees on the night.

Franck Kessie, Sergio Busquets, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres have all been sanctioned four times so far in the league and are just one yellow card away from a one-game suspension.

Thus, they all risk missing the clash against the Basque side next weekend if booked against Valencia.

It is important to note that Barcelona’s next league fixture after the clash at San Mames is against Real Madrid.

Under normal circumstances, a player would look to get booked in tonight’s clash to avoid missing the Clasico. However, with four players standing in a similar situation, it is clear that Barcelona cannot go down that route.

Kessie, Busquets, Raphinha and Torres are all expected to start later tonight against Valencia, given Barcelona’s injury situation.

Xavi could do without a couple of the players against Athletic given that Robert Lewandowski and Pedri are expected to be back for the game. However, he certainly cannot risk missing all four.

The proceedings of the game against Valencia could thus prove to have a direct bearing on the title race and the upcoming Clasico.

With their manager not present on the sidelines to guide them, it remains to be seen as to whether the aforementioned individuals go down the safe route or focus completely on the night’s game.