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FC Barcelona players in training ahead of Sporting Gijon clash – Image: FCB |
FC Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid when they take on Sporting Gijon in their 6th game of the 2016/2017 La Liga season.
The Catalans played out a 1-1 draw despite putting up a good performance against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, now the aim is to get a win against Sporting Gijon at El Molinon when both teams meet on Saturday and coach Luis Enrique has named his squad of 18 players for the game, once again leaving out Aleix Vidal.
The former Sevilla man has been left out of the last three games for Barça as he hasn’t found favour in Luis Enrique’s eyes, he made things worse on Thursday by posting an unpleasant message on his instagram page and it seems Lucho has punished him by dropping him for the fourth consecutive game, he is very likely to leave the club soon.
Apart from Aleix Vidal, Jordi Masip was also left out of the squad for Cillessen and Ter Stegen while the injured Samuel Umtiti and Lionel Messi are still unavailable. Midfielder Rafinha Alcantara returns to the squad after being left out for the game against Atleti due to rotations by Luis Enrique although it’s very unlikely he’ll start the game. Sergio Busquets is fit for the game despite being subbed off for precautionary reasons against Atleti.
FC BARCELONA SQUAD VS SPORTING GIJON
Goalkeepers: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Jasper Cillessen;
Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jeremy Mathieu, Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne;
Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic, Andre Gomes, Rafinha Alcantara, Denis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta;
Forwards: Neymar, Luis Suarez, Paco Alcacer, Arda Turan.