Barcelona handed triple injury boost for clash with Espanyol

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.

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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."

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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