MX23RW : Friday, April 19 15:38:16| >> :60:342:342:

How Barcelona could line up for first game back without Lionel Messi

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up against Mallorca if Lionel Messi misses out through injury.

Barcelona are due to resume their 2019-20 La Liga campaign with a clash against Mallorca on June 13.

The Spanish champions have not been in action since beating Real Sociedad 1-0 on March 7, with the coronavirus outbreak seeing the majority of football postponed across the globe.

European football is slowly returning, though, and Quique Setien's side, who are currently top of La Liga, are due to continue their season against Mallorca next weekend.

Barca could be without the services of Lionel Messi, though, with the club confirming on Friday that the Argentine was training "in isolation" having picked up "a minor quadriceps injury".

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the Catalan giants could line up for their first game back if Messi is unable to prove his fitness ahead of the contest.


POSS BAR XI vs. MAL

Out: Clement Lenglet (suspension), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring)
Doubtful: Lionel Messi (thigh)

Barca will definitely be without both Clement Lenglet and Ousmane Dembele for the clash with Mallorca. Indeed, the former's booking against Sociedad last time out has ruled the Frenchman out through suspension, while the latter is still recovering from his latest hamstring issue.

Luis Suarez has been declared fit, though, following a lengthy period on the sidelines. The Uruguay international has not played since the start of January after undergoing knee surgery, but he has been given the all-clear to return to action against Mallorca, which is a huge boost for the Spanish champions.

Messi's absence would open up a spot alongside Antoine Griezmann and Suarez in attack, and Ansu Fati could be given the nod. The 17-year-old has scored five times in 24 appearances for Barca this term and has featured off the right despite largely being used as a left-sided attacker.

Setien also has the option of switching to a midfield four and naming Griezmann and Suarez in attack, although the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Arthur have struggled to hold down a regular spot.

Elsewhere, Samuel Umtiti is expected to take Lenglet's spot in central defence, while Sergi Roberto could be given the nod at right-back over Nelson Semedo, who continues to be linked with a move away.

ID:401640: cacheID:401640:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4698:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal pictured on November 5, 2019
Read Next:
Juventus 'enquire about Barcelona trio'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid31246167204778
2Barcelona31217362342870
3GironaGirona31205663392465
4Atletico MadridAtletico31194859362361
5Athletic Bilbao31169651292257
6Real Sociedad311311745331250
7Valencia31138103432247
8Real BetisBetis31111283837145
9Villarreal31109124954-539
10Getafe31912103743-639
11Osasuna31116143644-839
12Las PalmasLas Palmas31107142935-637
13Sevilla31810133944-534
14AlavesAlaves3188152638-1232
15Mallorca31613122536-1131
16Rayo Vallecano31613122538-1331
17Celta Vigo31610153346-1328
18CadizCadiz31413142141-2025
19Granada3138203260-2817
20Almeria31111193062-3214


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!