MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 23:20:58| >> :60:2016:2016:
[monks data]
Athletic Bilbao logo
La Liga | Gameweek 25
Mar 12, 2023 at 8pm UK
San Mamés Barria
Barcelona logo

Athletic Bilbao
0 - 1
Barcelona


Williams (30'), Zarraga (86')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Raphinha (45+1')
Roberto (76')

Barcelona missing three players for Athletic Bilbao contest

Barcelona missing three players for Athletic Bilbao contest
© Reuters
Barcelona will be missing Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Ronald Araujo for Sunday's La Liga contest with Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona will be without the services of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Ronald Araujo for Sunday evening's La Liga contest with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

Pedri and Dembele unavailable for selection due to hamstring injuries, while Araujo is suspended due to the red card that he picked up in last weekend's 1-0 win over Valencia.

However, the Catalan outfit have been handed a huge injury boost for this match, with leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski back in the squad after recovering from injury.

Lewandowski, who has struck 25 goals in all competitions this season, has missed Barcelona's last two matches with the hamstring issue that he suffered against Almeria on February 26.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on October 12, 2022© Reuters

"He is doing very well. He has been training with the group since Thursday. He is feeling very well. He is an example of involvement and commitment. He always wants to play," Barcelona boss Xavi told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"He is differential and has changed the mentality of the team. It has been very good for us that he came.

"He is a vital addition. And even more so in matches like this, when they will press us up top. It is essential to have Robert and he is doing well."

Xavi was also asked about Pedri and Dembele, with the Barcelona head coach unsure when the duo would be available for selection once again.

"We have to wait, they train separately and we will see their feelings," he added.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo walks off the pitch after receiving a red card by referee Javier Alberola Rojas on March 5, 2023© Reuters

Xavi, meanwhile, admitted that his side would be weaker without Araujo on Sunday, with the central defender "a very important loss" for the Catalan outfit.

"It's a very important loss. Even more so on these grounds, with so much intensity, high pressure, crosses down the flank. We will miss him, but we have enough alternatives so that it won't be noticed," he said.

"Athletic is a physically strong team that plays with its fans and its way of playing is clear. It will be a tough game. This is one of the toughest games left and we have to match their intensity.

"The moment of truth arrives, where the titles are decided and we have to show our faces. We have to win. Tomorrow we have a huge war on our hands. The pitch will be packed with a team that doesn't mess around. We have to save the war and then we'll think about the Clasico. These weeks before the break are key."

Barcelona are currently nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Barcelona squad vs. Athletic Bilbao:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Christensen, Alonso, Alba, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Gavi, Kessie, Roberto, F de Jong, Torre; Lewandowski, Fati, F Torres, Raphinha, Alarcon

ID:508790:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4760:
Written by
Matt Law
No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Ousmane Dembele

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Game History

How you voted: Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

Athletic Bilbao
13.9%
Draw
9.2%
Barcelona
76.9%
173
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on February 1, 2022
Read Next:
Laporta reveals Barcelona's plans for summer transfer window
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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!