Barcelona team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Espanyol

Barcelona could take another big stride towards defending their La Liga crown when they host city rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The champions boast a 10-point lead at the top of the table with just 10 games of the season remaining and return to domestic action after the international break on a 16-match unbeaten run in the league.

It would take a major collapse for Ernesto Valverde's side to throw away one leg of a potential treble from such a position, although there are doubts over some key players ahead of this weekend's local derby.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension news for the match.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: March 30 (vs. Espanyol)

Lionel Messi produced quite possibly his best ever hat-trick last time out for Barcelona, but his return to Argentina duty did not go as planned, picking up a groin injury in their defeat to Venezuela. The Barca talisman has since returned to training, though, and should be fit in time for Saturday.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: March 30 (vs. Espanyol)

Luis Suarez limped off against Real Betis after picking up an ankle injury and was initially ruled out for two weeks by Barca. However, the Uruguayan is now back in training and could be in contention for this weekend's contest.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: April 10 (vs. Manchester United)

Ousmane Dembele has set the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United as a target for his return from the hamstring injury he aggravated against Lyon in the last 16.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: Unknown

Rafinha has been sidelined since tearing a knee ligament in November and will miss the remainder of the season.

Barcelona have no players suspended for this match.