Barcelona mainstay could miss Atletico Madrid clash if he is booked vs Espanyol

After a break of more than 50 days, Barcelona will be back in action today as they host local rivals RCD Espanyol in the Catalan derby.

The Blaugrana had gone into the World Cup break as the leaders of La Liga. However, Real Madrid’s victory over Real Valladolid last night has meant that Barça have slipped down to the second position, a point below their arch-rivals.

And a victory will be crucial for Xavi Hernandez & co. to build momentum, especially with a match against Atletico Madrid up next for the Blaugrana in the league.

Speaking of the contest against the Rojiblancos next week, Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets could be at the risk of being suspended for that encounter if he receives a booking against Espanyol today.

The 34-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for Barça, with Xavi being a huge admirer of the midfielder. The manager admitted to making attempts to try and convince Busquets to stay at the club beyond the current season, saying:

“He has a contract until June and then we will see. It’s more a personal feeling of his, how he sees himself in the team. For me, he is fundamental. It will depend on him, more than on the club and me, but we will try to convince him.”

As a result, Busquets has played in 16 of Barcelona’s 20 matches across all competitions this season, grabbing an assist in the process as well.

Of the 16 appearances, 12 have come in La Liga, but the veteran midfielder has also picked as many as four yellow cards in the Spanish top flight already this season. And another booking means that Busquets will be suspended for one match.

So, in case the Barça skipper is shown a yellow card by referee Mateu Lahoz today against Espanyol, he will miss the trip to the Civitas Metropolitano, sitting out of a hugely critical clash for the team.

It is something that Busquets will need to be wary about as he would not want to miss a match as important as the one against Atletico Madrid on Janaury 8.