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How Barcelona could line up for first game back

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for their first game back after La Liga was given the green light to return on June 11.

La Liga action has been given the go-ahead to return on June 11, meaning that Barcelona will resume their title charge with Real Madrid hot on their heels.

Barca's defeat in the Clasico at the start of March saw them cede control of the title race, but that lasted only a week as Madrid's slip-up at Real Betis was capitalised on by Barca beating Real Sociedad.

More than three months later, Quique Setien's side will restart the campaign sitting two points clear of their bitter rivals, with their first match back due to be against Mallorca on the weekend of June 12-14.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for that game.



BARXI

Out: Samuel Umtiti (calf), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring), Clement Lenglet (suspended)
Doubtful: Luis Suarez (knee)

The three-month stoppage in play has been advantageous for Barcelona in some ways, most notably for star striker Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan underwent knee surgery in January which initially left him in a race against time to feature again this season, but he is now nearing full fitness again and should be able to play a big part in the run-in.

Suarez could be ready to lead the line in their first game back, forming a front three alongside Antoine Griezmann and La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi.

Ansu Fati suffered an injury scare in training earlier this week but Barcelona are hopeful that it is nothing serious and the youngster should be available to feature in some capacity.

The only other new injury worry to emerge from lockdown so far is Samuel Umtiti, who suffered a calf injury which will mean that he misses the return to action.

Clement Lenglet is suspended, though, leaving Setien short of centre-back options and perhaps needing to call up Ronald Araujo from the youth team.

Arthur's future has also regularly been in the headlines in recent weeks, although he could start ahead of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.

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Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal pictured on November 5, 2019
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