Barcelona team news vs Atletico Madrid: Valverde received a boost ahead of the big clash against Atletico Madrid as star forward returns.
Advertisement
Barcelona have been in fine form at the moment. Barring their latest shock 4-3 defeat to Real Betis last weekend, Ernesto Valverde’s side has been solid, even without the contribution from their superstar Lionel Messi.
The Argentine injured his arm during the game against Sevilla, but it hardly dampened the spirits in the Barca camp. Luis Suarez stepped up for the side as Barcelona registered convincing victories over Inter Milan and Real Madrid, before clinching a late winner in the first leg of the Copa del Rey.
Advertisement
The side will return to action this weekend as two heavyweights of Spanish football, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, clash at Wanda Metropolitano.
While Ivan Rakitic remains out of contention for the game after being ruled out for 2-3 weeks, following the injury during the international break, another Barcelona star returns to training.
Barcelona team news vs Atletico Madrid:
Philippe Coutinho returns to training for Barcelona on Tuesday. He was injured during the match against Inter Milan on November 6, and the club later confirmed that the Brazilian star suffered a small tear in his left hamstring.
Advertisement
Spanish media outlet Sport now reports that the player could be back for the game against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Barcelona are currently at the top of the table with 23 points from 12 games, but are only one point behind Atletico Madrid, who are 3rd on the table. Diego Simeone’s side made a good recovery after a 4-0 thumping to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last month.
Atletico’s last game in La Liga ended dramatically as Diego Godin netted in an injury-time winner to seal the three points for the side against Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona, on the other hand, suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat to Real Betis, as Messi scored a brace but couldn’t secure any point for the side.
Advertisement