MX23RW : Friday, June 12 02:42:38| >> :120:15726:15726:

How Barcelona could line up for first game back

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for their first game back after La Liga was given the green light to return on June 11.

La Liga action has been given the go-ahead to return on June 11, meaning that Barcelona will resume their title charge with Real Madrid hot on their heels.

Barca's defeat in the Clasico at the start of March saw them cede control of the title race, but that lasted only a week as Madrid's slip-up at Real Betis was capitalised on by Barca beating Real Sociedad.

More than three months later, Quique Setien's side will restart the campaign sitting two points clear of their bitter rivals, with their first match back due to be against Mallorca on the weekend of June 12-14.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for that game.



BARXI

Out: Samuel Umtiti (calf), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring), Clement Lenglet (suspended)
Doubtful: Luis Suarez (knee)

The three-month stoppage in play has been advantageous for Barcelona in some ways, most notably for star striker Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan underwent knee surgery in January which initially left him in a race against time to feature again this season, but he is now nearing full fitness again and should be able to play a big part in the run-in.

Suarez could be ready to lead the line in their first game back, forming a front three alongside Antoine Griezmann and La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi.

Ansu Fati suffered an injury scare in training earlier this week but Barcelona are hopeful that it is nothing serious and the youngster should be available to feature in some capacity.

The only other new injury worry to emerge from lockdown so far is Samuel Umtiti, who suffered a calf injury which will mean that he misses the return to action.

Clement Lenglet is suspended, though, leaving Setien short of centre-back options and perhaps needing to call up Ronald Araujo from the youth team.

Arthur's future has also regularly been in the headlines in recent weeks, although he could start ahead of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.

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Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal pictured on November 5, 2019
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rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona27184563313258
2Real Madrid27168349193056
3Sevilla27138639291047
4Real Sociedad27144945331246
5Getafe27137737251246
6Atletico MadridAtletico271112431211045
7Valencia2711973839-142
8Villarreal27115114438638
9Granada27115113332138
10Athletic Bilbao2791082923637
11Osasuna2781093438-434
12Real Betis2789103843-533
13Levante27103143240-833
14AlavesAlaves2788112937-832
15Real Valladolid27611102333-1029
16EibarEibar2776142741-1427
17Celta Vigo27511112234-1226
18Mallorca2774162844-1625
19Leganes2758142139-1823
20Espanyol2748152346-2320

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