Barcelona have been dealt a blow on the personnel front ahead of their meeting with Atletico Madrid.
As reported by Football Espana, Barcelona have suffered an injury blow ahead of Sunday’s clash with Atletico Madrid after Memphis Depay has not returned on time and will not be in contention to take on Diego Simeone’s side.
It is added that Depay was not present for Friday’s training session, and he is not expected to train on Saturday either.
Depay has been out of action for six of Barca’s last seven league outings, first with a hamstring issue and then with what has been described as muscular problems.
Will Barcelona be able to cope without Depay?
La Blaugrana are set to face off with Atletico Madrid in their first game back after the break on Sunday.
The tie is a huge one for both sides – who are all but out of the title race this campaign – and could be vital in their attempts to secure Champions League football next term.
Barcelona head into the game at the Camp Nou sat 5th in La Liga, which would currently see them placed in the Europa League next campaign.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are 4th in the Spanish top-flight, but are currently only one point above Barcelona having played the same number of games.
So, if Xavi and co. want to secure that top-four spot, it is likely imperative they do not lose to Atletico when they meet.
And though they are seemingly without Depay – who has scored eight in 16 La Liga games – this weekend, Barca could be boosted by new signings Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Senegal vs Egypt betting tips: Africa Cup of Nations Final preview, predictions and odds
Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds
