MX23RW : Tuesday, May 30 03:01:53| >> :120:14793:14793:
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Espanyol logo
La Liga | Gameweek 34
May 14, 2023 at 8pm UK
RCDE Stadium
Barcelona logo
Espanyol
2 - 4
Barcelona
Puado (73'), Joselu (90+2')
Darder (39')
FT(HT: 0-3)
Lewandowski (11', 40'), Balde (20'), Kounde (53')
Kounde (2'), Gavi (39'), Alba (82')

Barcelona handed triple injury boost for clash with Espanyol

Barcelona handed triple injury boost for clash with Espanyol
© Reuters
Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Raphinha are named in the Barcelona squad for Sunday's Catalan derby against Espanyol in La Liga.

Barcelona have been handed a triple injury boost for Sunday's La Liga clash against Espanyol, with Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Raphinha all named in the squad.

Roberto has been sidelined for close to a month due to a hamstring injury, and it had initially been thought that he would be absent for the remainder of the campaign.

However, the Spaniard has made a quick recovery and is now ready to feature for the Catalan giants once again.

Gavi and Raphinha had also emerged as injury doubts due to issues that they picked up in the 1-0 win over Osasuna last time out, but the pair have been cleared to feature in the Barcelona derby.

Gavi celebrates scoring for Barcelona on February 5, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona would have secured the La Liga title ahead of this match if both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid fail to win their respective matches, but a victory for Xavi's side would guarantee first position in the table.

There is no spot in the squad for 15-year-old Lamine Yamal, but Pablo Torre is included, and the midfielder will hope to be involved in the latter stages of the season once the title is potentially secured.

"Tomorrow is a chance to win the league, we are determined. Tomorrow is our chance. We expected a fierce Espanyol because they have improved recently," said Xavi during his pre-match press conference.

"We are 200% ready, very happy, and intense. Tomorrow is our first chance to win the league. It would be a great season if we complete it."

Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on April 26, 2023© Reuters

Xavi was also asked about Sergio Busquets's decision to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

"I respect Busquets' decision and wish him all the best," said the head coach. "Busquets is the most intelligent player I have ever played with. He's been a ten in everything, spectacular.

"We are working on another era to come. Hopefully, footballers like Gavi or Pedri can surpass us. This is what sports and life is all about."

Ousmane Dembele is also in line for a start on Sunday, having made two substitute appearances since returning to action following a long-term hamstring issue.

Barcelona squad vs. Espanyol:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Araujo, Christensen, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde, Alonso, Alba; Pedri, Kessie, Roberto, Gavi, Torre, F de Jong, Busquets; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati, F Torres, Raphinha

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How you voted: Espanyol vs Barcelona

Espanyol
19.2%
Draw
9.0%
Barcelona
71.8%
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on February 1, 2022
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CBarcelona37284569185188
2Real Madrid37245874353977
3Atletico MadridAtletico37237768313776
4Real Sociedad37208949341568
5Villarreal371961257381963
6Real BetisBetis37178124540559
7Osasuna37148153541-650
8Athletic Bilbao37148154642450
9GironaGirona371310145753449
10Rayo Vallecano371310144550-549
11Sevilla371310144652-649
12Mallorca37138163443-947
13Valencia37118184144-341
14CadizCadiz371011162952-2341
15Getafe371011163445-1141
16Almeria37117194662-1640
17Celta Vigo371010174152-1140
18Real ValladolidValladolid37116203363-3039
REspanyol37812174966-1736
RElcheElche3759232966-3724

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