MX23RW : Monday, December 23 08:13:55| >> :120:32359:32359:
[monks data]
Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 30
Apr 23, 2023 at 3.15pm UK
Spotify Camp Nou
Atletico Madrid logo

Barcelona
1 - 0
Atletico

Torres (44')
Alonso (28'), Busquets (57'), Raphinha (77'), Gavi (90')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Griezmann (75'), Savic (79'), Gimenez (81'), Reguilon (83'), Barrios (83'), Morata (86'), Niguez (90+3'), Grbic (90+1')

Pedri, Frenkie de Jong return to Barcelona squad for Atletico Madrid clash

Pedri, De Jong return to Barcelona squad for Atletico clash
© Reuters
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong return to the Barcelona squad for Sunday's La Liga contest with Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona have been handed a double injury boost for Sunday's La Liga contest against Atletico Madrid, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong returning to the squad following spells on the sidelines.

Pedri has been out since February with a hamstring problem, missing the team's last eight league games, with the 20-year-old suffering a setback in his recovery.

However, the Spain international has now been declared fit to return to action alongside De Jong, who picked up a hamstring problem of his own before the March international break.

The Netherlands international has been absent for Barcelona's last three league games, in addition to the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong pictured during training on February 22, 2023© Reuters

However, Barcelona remain without the services of Ousmane Dembele, who has not been included in the squad despite returning to training following a hamstring issue.

The club's head coach Xavi also revealed that Andreas Christensen is close to returning from a calf issue, but Sergi Roberto could be out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring problem.

"He's practically fit again (Dembele). This week we will get him back. Christensen is also almost 100%. Tomorrow, we will decide if Pedri and/or Frenkie start. Except for Sergi Roberto, we are close to having the entire squad ready," Xavi told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

Barcelona remain in a commanding position at the top of the La Liga table, sitting 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, but they have drawn their last two league games 0-0.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023© Reuters

The Catalan outfit will also be welcoming an Atletico side that have won their last six league games, which has left them in third, just two points behind Real Madrid.

"They have a great team. Cholo (Diego Simeone) is a great coach. We are up against a top rival and in a state of grace. They are perhaps the most in-form team at the moment. [Antoine] Griezmann is in great shape, and Simeone is doing a great job," Xavi added.

"Griezmann is an essential player for Atletico Madrid. He is in excellent shape. He seems comfortable and he's a player to keep in mind."

Barcelona have not scored in their last three matches in all competitions, but they have not gone four straight games without finding the back of the net since April 2008 under the management of Frank Rijkaard.

Barcelona squad vs. Atletico Madrid:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Araujo, Alonso, Alba, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Kessie, F de Jong, Gavi, Torre; Yamal, Lewandowski, Fati, F Torres, Raphinha, Alarcon

ID:512079:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4792:
Written by
Matt Law
No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Pedri

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Game History

How you voted: Barcelona vs Atletico

Barcelona
55.1%
Draw
26.5%
Atletico Madrid
18.4%
136
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring against Real Madrid on January 15, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona bidding to avoid worst goalscoring drought for 15 years
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!