After an extremely gruelling and mentally exhausting session of World Cup qualifiers, League action is back again. And what a way to begin it again! Away at the hostile environment of The Mestalla. Every Barça fans knows that the away trip to Valencia is always a tricky one. Historically, the game at Mestalla has been one of the toughest of the season. Plus add to this the fact that almost all of our starting eleven is coming from all corners of the world after playing 2 games in a matter of 4 days, only adds to the concern.
Squad Concerns
Ok as usual the International Games have bought back tired, exhausted and also some injured players back, increasing Pep’s headache. It is reported that ‘King’ Henry is out for almost 10 days having picked up a knock playing for France. The Blaugrana medical team identified the injury as a hamstring strain, and Henry will therefore miss the crucial match with Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. We all remember the 2 great games he had against Valencia last term and will be sorely missed against a team he loves playing.
However, there is better news for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede also picked up a knock against Albania, but reports suggest that he has only suffered some bruising to his right knee. While he did not take part in training on Thursday, Ibrahimovic should be fit enough to play against los Che this weekend.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is also suffering from fatigue after taking part in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers but will likely feature on Saturday evening. Even Dani Alves is expected to be suffering from exhaustion having travelled half way around from South America and having played, what is considered the most difficult place to play football on Earth, Bolivia. Brazil struggled in that game and ended up losing the battle after already securing a berth in World Cup Finals.
Coming to the Spanish Contingent from our squad, it is reported that Xavi is struggling big time with his knee injury. Club doctors have assessed the extent of the knee problem that forced Xavi out of the Spain squad at the weekend and announced that he may still be in contention for Saturday’s crucial league clash with Valencia.
Xavi Hernandez abandoned the Spain camp on Saturday evening after the match against Armenia.Puyol, who was suspended for the last match, was also given permission to return to Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez has played every single one of Barça’s matches this season (11) and has formed part of the starting line-up.
Mexico, captained by Rafa Márquez, had no major worries in the North American section, eventually qualifying in second place behind the United States. The Ivory Coast also made it through easily.Touré Yaya’s side were runaway leaders in African Group.
Villa Absent, Valencia Troubled By Injuries Too
One of the most prolific goal scorers of the modern game, David Villa is set to miss this high profile clash with an injury he has struggled to recover from in time for this game.
In addition to the Villa injury, Unai Emery will be without Joaquin, who is expected to miss three weeks, while Carlos Marchena will be out for approximately one month after injuring himself while on international duty. The injuries come at the worst possible time for Valencia, who have been relatively impressive in their first six games.
Need For A Win, A Challenge Indeed
A win on Saturday would create a Club record of consecutive wins at the start of the league season. With 6 in 6 in the bag, we have to keep the momentum going, considering the fact that the chasing pack in Sevilla and Madrid would be vying to catch up with us as soon as possible, waiting for us to drop points. This is the toughest game for us till now this season by some distance and considering the fitness concerns of some of our most important team members, this game could not have come at a worse time. Messi, Ibra, Xavi, Iniesta, Toure, Keita, Abidal, Pique, Dani Alves are all coming back after playing the International games. This is the major concern. And This is the real test for Pep’s team.
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal – Keita, Xavi, Busquets – Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta
Match Prediction
Valencia 1 – 3 FC Barcelona
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