Now back in control of the race for second place, Barcelona head to already-relegated Almeria for Thursday's La Liga encounter.

Xavi's side made an immediate return to winning ways by seeing off Real Sociedad 2-0 on Monday, where Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were on target in Catalonia.

Consequently, La Blaugrana have established a one-point lead over Girona in the runners-up spot in the table and now pit their wits against by far and away the worst side in the Spanish top flight this season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Barcelona's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Almeria, who have amassed just 17 points in 2023-24 and will be playing Segunda Division football next year.

Gavi

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Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Teenage starlet Gavi is still on the mend from the severe knee injury he picked up while representing Spain in November, and the 19-year-old's issue has already ruled him out of the rest of the season and Euro 2024.

Alejandro Balde

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Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Similarly, Alejandro Balde is not expected to play again this term owing to the hamstring injury he picked up in January, which required an operation, and he is also targeting a return in pre-season.

Frenkie de Jong

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Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Frenkie de Jong is on the mend from the ankle issue he sustained in El Clasico in April, and he completes the three-strong list of Barcelona players who will not play again this season.

BARCELONA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Ilkay Gundogan

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Return date: May 19 (vs. Rayo Vallecano)

Ilkay Gundogan was booked for the fifth time this season in Monday's success over Sociedad, meaning that the German midfielder must serve a one-match suspension on Thursday.