Spanish giants Barcelona will be unable to call on no fewer than three members of the club’s first-team setup next weekend, owing to suspension.
Xavi Hernandez’s troops were of course back in action earlier this evening.
After being sent packing from the Europa League in midweek, the Blaugrana turned their attentions back towards matters on the domestic front, in a La Liga meeting with relegation-battling Almeria.
After Real Madrid dropped a potentially crucial pair of points in Saturday’s derby, Barca headed into proceedings in the knowledge that a win would guide them a full ten points clear at the summit of the Spanish top-flight.
When all was said and done at the Power Horse Stadium, however, such efforts came up short in frankly alarming fashion.
This came as a hugely underwhelming display ultimately culminated in the Catalans being put to the sword by a goal to nil, for just their 2nd defeat of the La Liga season.
Full Time #AlmeríaBarça pic.twitter.com/mHzdebhVOH
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 26, 2023
In addition, their prospects for next weekend took a heavy hit, too.
This came as yellow cards brandished in the direction of all of Gavi, Raphinha and boss Xavi Hernandez culminated in the trio picking up a one-match suspension.
All three will therefore be unavailable to play their part against Valencia a week from today.
🚨| Raphinha, Gavi and Xavi are all SUSPENDED for the game against Valencia due to accumulation of yellows. #fcblive
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 26, 2023
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