In preparation for their La Liga matchup with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday (March 12, 2023), Barcelona has received a significant boost. In an effort to extend their lead at the top of the table, the giants of Catalonia are expected to welcome back three of their injured and suspended players.
After recovering from a minor hamstring strain, Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski will be available for the match, according to Diario Sport. The forward has been declared fit to play again after missing the league match against Valencia and the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid this past weekend.
In addition, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong should be prepared to compete against Athletic Bilbao. The Dutchman, who was having trouble with his hamstring, was substituted out in the middle of Sunday’s match against Valencia as a precaution, while the Danishman, who was playing, had his ankle heavily strapped.
Pablo Gavi, a Barcelona player, will also be up for minutes this weekend. The midfielder was suspended for the previous game, but he is now eligible to play again.
All things considered, it is important that Xavi Hernandez will in any case have two or three huge unlucky deficiencies heading into the end of the week’s apparatus. The manager of the Blaugrana will be without Ronald Araujo, who was sent off in the previous match, and Ousmane Dembele, who is still recovering from a muscular injury.
On a comparable note, there’s still vulnerability over Pedri’s accessibility for the game at San Mames on Sunday. During the first leg of the Europa League play-off against Manchester United last month, the midfielder ruptured the anterior rectus in his right thigh.
La Liga leaders Barcelona extend their lead.
At Camp Nou over the weekend, the giants of Catalonia won crucially by a score of 1-0 against Valencia. After Real Madrid and Real Betis played out a goalless draw, they were able to establish a nine-point lead at the top of the table.
After winning 20, drawing two, and losing two games in the Spanish top flight this season, Barcelona currently has 62 points in 24 games. In contrast, their rivals have 53 points from 24 games, including 16 wins, five draws, and three losses.
Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Los Blancos, said the following in response to his team’s point differential following their weekend draw:
It’s not over yet. Although nine points is a lot, we must fight until the end.
The defending champions’ ability to make a significant comeback in the title race remains to be seen.