Barcelona team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Espanyol

Barcelona will return to action after the winter break with a trip to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday night.

The Spanish champions were not at their best in the first half of the 2019-20 campaign but are currently top of the table, two points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde's side ended 2019 with a 4-1 home victory over Alaves at Camp Nou and will now be looking for another win against their Catalan rivals on their return to the field.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Barca's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the match.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: February 15 (vs. Getafe)

Ousmane Dembele has been on the sidelines since picking up a thigh problem during the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund last month. The 22-year-old, who has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Camp Nou, is not expected to return until the start of February.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Espanyol)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a major doubt for this weekend's clash with Espanyol due to a tendon problem in his right knee. As a result, the club's number two goalkeeper Neto is in line to feature between the sticks.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: January 25 (vs. Valencia)

Arthur is still struggling to overcome a groin problem and is expected to be on the sidelines for another three weeks with the issue that he picked up against Atletico Madrid at the start of December.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Espanyol)

Ansu Fati has had his fair share of knee problems this season, with the 17-year-old seemingly going through a growth spurt. The attacker is a doubt for the Catalan derby but has not officially been ruled out.

Barca have no players suspended for the La Liga fixture at the RCDE Stadium.