FC Barcelona hosts CA Osasuna this evening at 21:00 CET in a rescheduled La Liga match. The match was initially scheduled to be played on March 8, but the fixture was rearranged following the passing of the club doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
Team News
Barcelona
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has choice problems on his hands as there are a few missing players. Ronald Araújo and Raphinha are out after traveling extensively internationally. Andreas Christensen is out with an injury as well. Eric García and Iñigo Martínez will thus be the center-back pairing.
In midfield, Gavi will be likely to play a key role, having remained at the club during the international break. He is likely to be joined by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Up front, Robert Lewandowski will lead the charge, joined by Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
Osasuna
Osasuna will have key players out due to suspension and injury. Midfielder Jon Moncayola will be suspended, while the future of forward Ante Budimir is uncertain following his activity with the Croatian national team.
Managerial Comments
Flick has complained of the overcrowded schedules, especially with players returning from international duties. He emphasized that adequate recovery time was necessary and called on the governing bodies to look into granting a couple of days' rest before club matches.
Match Context
This is an important match for Barcelona, who will want to be atop La Liga, currently on equal points with Real Madrid. Osasuna, 14th in the standings, will want to take the points to pull away from danger.
Conclusion
In spite of the absence of players causing trouble and a congested fixture schedule, Barcelona will try to take advantage of their home form and substitute bench to earn a crucial victory. Osasuna, aware of the danger posed by the switch in Barcelona's team, will try to take advantage and earn a positive outcome.
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