Three Barcelona stars at risk of suspension for potential UCL quarterfinals
After three long years, Barcelona will play a UEFA Champions League knockout clash in Catalonia later today. Facing Napoli in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, they will be the slight favourites to advance given that they have the home advantage on the night.
The first leg of the tie yielded a 1-1 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, much to the dismay of Xavi whose side dominated the proceedings for the better part.
Now afflicted with some serious injury blows ahead of the return fixture, progressing is easier said than done.
Potential setbacks
There will be no love lost when the defending Spanish and Italian league champions face off later today.
A gruelling clash awaits Barcelona, and the fact that three players are one yellow card away from suspension thus becomes critical.
Ronald Araujo, Joao Felix, and Sergi Roberto are all one yellow card away from missing the team’s next game in the tournament.
That is, if any of the three were to be booked against Napoli, they would be suspended for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, provided Barça qualify.
Given what rides on tonight’s result, however, one can remain assured that the players will not resort to a cautious approach despite being aware of the sanction.
Indeed, any suspension will only matter if Barcelona progress to the quarterfinals. Losing a player like Araujo for the potential knockout fixture, however, would be a big blow.
Two starting on the bench?
Having served a one-game suspension in La Liga during Barcelona’s clash against Mallorca, Ronald Araujo is a guaranteed starter for the game against Napoli. He is likely to be paired with Pau Cubarsi, although Inigo Martinez also has a good chance of starting.
Joao Felix’s place in the starting lineup will completely depend on Xavi’s formation on the night. With Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski guaranteed places in the team, the Portuguese also faces competition from Raphinha and Vitor Roque for a starting berth.
Meanwhile, Roberto, who despite being a prime candidate to play in midfield, could miss out owing to his lack of match fitness.
