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Espanyol logo
La Liga | Gameweek 34
May 14, 2023 at 8pm UK
RCDE Stadium
Barcelona logo

Espanyol
2 - 4
Barcelona

Puado (73'), Joselu (90+2')
Darder (39')
FT(HT: 0-3)
Lewandowski (11', 40'), Balde (20'), Kounde (53')
Kounde (2'), Gavi (39'), Alba (82')

Barcelona handed triple injury boost for clash with Espanyol

Barcelona handed triple injury boost for clash with Espanyol
© Reuters
Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Raphinha are named in the Barcelona squad for Sunday's Catalan derby against Espanyol in La Liga.

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.

Gavi celebrates scoring for Barcelona on February 5, 2023© Reuters

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."

Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on April 26, 2023© Reuters

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

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Written by
Matt Law
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Game History

How you voted: Espanyol vs Barcelona

Espanyol
19.2%
Draw
9.0%
Barcelona
71.8%
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid21154250203049
2Atletico MadridAtletico21136235142145
3Barcelona21133559243542
4Athletic Bilbao21117331181340
5Villarreal219753932734
6Mallorca219391926-730
7Rayo Vallecano217862524129
8GironaGirona218492929028
9Real Sociedad218491717028
10Real BetisBetis217772326-328
11Osasuna216962530-527
12Sevilla217682430-627
13Celta Vigo2174103033-325
14Getafe215881717023
15Las PalmasLas Palmas2165102634-823
16Leganes215881929-1023
17AlavesAlaves2156102533-821
18Espanyol2155112033-1320
19Valencia2137112036-1616
20Real ValladolidValladolid2143141442-2815


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