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La Liga | Gameweek 15
Dec 31, 2022 at 1pm UK
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Barcelona
1 - 1
Espanyol

Alonso (7')
Fati (25'), Gavi (30'), Alba (74'), Torres (75'), Pedri (76'), Xavi (90+7'), Raphinha (90+5'), Tenas (90+7')
Alba (78')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Joselu (73' pen.)
Olivan (30'), Cabrera (31'), Calero (55'), Souza (73'), Exposito (74'), Joselu (81'), Puado (90+6')

Robert Lewandowski cleared to face Espanyol despite suspension

Robert Lewandowski cleared to face Espanyol despite suspension
© Reuters
Barcelona will have leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday's Barcelona derby with Espanyol.

Barcelona will have leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday's clash with Espanyol.

The Poland international was expected to miss out for the Catalan outfit, having been handed a three-game suspension following his red card against Osasuna before the break for the World Cup.

Lewandowski was set to miss the La Liga matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, in addition to the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Betis.

However, Barcelona revealed in a statement on Friday that they had been successful in placing a temporary hold on his ban while the club continue to appeal the ruling.

The 34-year-old will still receive a three-game suspension unless the final decision goes in Barcelona's favour, but he will be available while the full process is undertaken.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on October 12, 2022© Reuters

"Robert Lewandowski will be allowed to play against Espanyol tomorrow after the Central Contentious Court of Madrid granted a preliminary injunction to the sanction imposed by the CAS," read a statement from Barcelona.

Barcelona boss Xavi was asked for his views on the situation during his press conference ahead of the league contest with Espanyol, which will represent the team's first game after the World Cup.

"We found out when the training session was over. We prepared for the game with the idea that we couldn't count on him," the head coach told reporters.

"It's not the best timing but we are very happy that he can play. He was also surprised by the timing.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 28, 2022© Reuters

"For me it is a disproportionate sanction. Now the referees' committee has two to three days. It would be good to know how the sanction will be, when we won't be able to count on him. It should have been known before.

"We have been training differently these weeks, thinking that we were not counting on him. The organisation has not been good. I don't know if we can count on him against Atletico."

Lewandowski has been in impressive form for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering four assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.

The Catalan outfit will have a full squad for Saturday's game, as Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie have all overcome the issues that kept them out before the World Cup.

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, two points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

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Matt Law
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Raphinha in action for Barcelona on October 4, 2022
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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