BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Barcelona lost more players to injury during the international break ahead of Saturday’s visit to Girona in La Liga action, including striker Robert Lewandowski and playmaker Dani Olmo.
Kylian Mbappé is also doubtful for Real Madrid’s game against Getafe on Sunday. Missed the World Cup qualifiers France representative with ankle injury.
Barcelona have since resumed action. Completely defeated by Sevilla 4-1 In the last game two weeks ago. With this loss, Madrid returned to first place in the league.
key match
Barcelona’s unbeaten season ended with a shocking defeat against Sevilla. They will take a short trip to the Mediterranean coast to face struggling Girona, who have their only win of the season at home against Valencia.
Barcelona will host Olympiakos in the Champions League on Tuesday before visiting Madrid for the first Clasico of the season on October 26th.
After facing Getafe, Madrid face Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting their biggest rivals at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Activity suspended
Manager Hansi Flick will need to rebuild Barcelona’s attack with perhaps five top attacking players absent.
Lewandowski returns from playing for Poland. hurt left hamstring. Olmo and fellow Spain international Ferran Torres both returned after suffering muscle injuries in their left legs.
Torres started ahead of Lewandowski this season and scored five goals, while Olmo is a versatile playmaker who can also play as a false nine.
Barcelona were already without teenage star Lamine Yamal, forward Rafinha, midfielders Gabi Paes and Fermín López and goalkeeper Joao Garcia due to recent injuries before the club entered the international break.
Who is Yamal? aggravated the groin injury That has bothered him for weeks, and Fermin returned to training this week but has yet to be cleared to play by team doctors.
Featured players
Rooney Barzij could receive more playing time at Barcelona after the 19-year-old winger made his Sweden international debut last week.
Marcus Rashford could also play an expected role up front. The on-loan English forward has settled in well at Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing a team-leading five assists.
off the field
Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2029 this week.
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