Barcelona have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their upcoming Europa League clash with Manchester United. Midfielder Sergio Busquets was forced off after just eight minutes during the side's La Liga match with Sevilla on Sunday evening, leaving Xavi's squad options even thinner after the recent setback sustained by Ousmane Dembele.
Franck Kessie was brought on to replace the experienced 34-year-old at the Nou Camp, with Busquets visibly distressed and bringing his chances of featuring against United later this month into serious question.
Dembele, 25, is himself not expected to return to first-team action until at least March and Xavi will be tasked with considering other options ahead of the two-legged European showdown with Erik ten Hag's side.
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United midfielder Casemiro was sent off this weekend against Crystal Palace following his spat with Will Hughes during the second half. However, the former Real Madrid man will be available for selection despite his domestic suspension.
Barcelona are currently top of La Liga by eight points at present, after Real Madrid lost 1-0 to RCD Mallorca earlier in the day. Both teams will first meet on February 16 in Spain, with the return leg set to be played at Old Trafford on February 23.
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