adminBARCELONA. — Leaders Barcelona will almost certainly be without Andres Iniesta for today’s La Liga game at home to Valencia as he has not recovered sufficiently from a bruised pelvis, coach Luis Enrique said yesterday.
Midfielder Iniesta had to be replaced by Xavi eight minutes into the second half of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris St Germain, after tangling with PSG midfielder Javier Pastore.
“He is much better but he didn’t train so in principle and barring a miracle he won’t be in the squad,” Luis Enrique told a news conference.
Barca can go five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who host Malaga in a later kick-off, with a win at the Nou Camp, although it promises to be a tough match as Valencia are fourth and on a 10 match unbeaten run.
In his first season in charge, Luis Enrique’s side have a chance of repeating 2009’s treble of Champions League and Spanish league and Cup titles. Atletico Madrid forward Mario Mandzukic has been left out of the Spanish champions’ squad for today’s La Liga game at Deportivo La Coruna due to an ankle problem, coach Diego Simeone said. The Croatia international played the whole of Tuesday’s 0-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg draw at home to Real Madrid but has been rested for the trip to Galicia, Simeone told a news conference. Atletico’s Spain midfielder Mario Suarez is also sidelined.
“I spoke to the doctor and Mandzukic has ankle pain and Mario some discomfort,” Simeone said.
“Hopefully, we will have both of them back quickly so we can have a full squad available again.”
Simeone did not say whether Mandzukic will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League return leg against Real, while Suarez suspended for the clash at the Bernabeu. Fernando Torres will probably come into the team to replace Mandzukic against Deportivo, with Tiago filling in for Suarez in a defensive central midfield role.
Atletico are third in La Liga with seven games left, seven points behind second-placed Real, who host Malaga today.
Leaders Barca are two points ahead of Real before they entertain Valencia today — Reuters
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