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Barcelona team news vs Espanyol: Predicted line up – Valverde faces Messi, Suarez decision
BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde must decide whether to risk Lionel Messi against Espanyol this afternoon (3.15pm).
The Argentine suffered an injury while on international duty last week and remains a doubt for Barcelona’s return to La Liga action.
Messi has been included in the squad for the visit of Espanyol but Valverde must weigh up the risk of aggravating the forward’s problem.
Barca are 10 points clear at the top of the table and are on the hunt for a sixth straight league win which will move the club closer to yet another title.
The Catalan club are also into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and have reached the final of the Copa del Rey so resting Messi will be tempting.
The 31-year-old has scored 29 goals in La Liga so far this season but Barcelona should have enough firepower to cope without their talisman.
Luis Suarez is also nursing a knock after limping off last time out against Real Betis but is expected to feature.
Both Messi and Suarez returned to training on Thursday, with the Uruguayan having trained alone the day before.
Meanwhile Ousmane Dembele remains out with a muscle problem and Rafinha is a long-term absentee.
Philippe Coutinho should start on the left flank while Arthur is expected to be preferred to Arturo Vidal in central midfield.
Clement Lenglet is likely to get the nod over Samuel Umtiti while Nelson Semedo should start at right-back if Sergi Roberto is rested.
Espanyol are currently 13th in La Liga and have experienced an upturn in form after a dismal run of nine defeats in 10 matches over Christmas.
Barcelona have won each of the last nine meetings between the two sides at the Nou Camp, so the omens are good for another home victory.
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Espanyol – La Liga
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Messi, Coutinho, Suarez