Real and Atletico Madrid ended Saturday’s derby in a 1-1 draw. Second place Barcelona will hope to take advantage as they take on Malaga. A look at the most important players to be out this week’s La Liga games.
Barcelona travel to Malaga knowing that victory will have them move past Real and into first place. However, Real do still have a game in hand. Luis Enrique‘s game strategy will have to include plans to replace the suspended Piqué and Rakitic. Rafinha and Turan should be out of play for a longer period of time through injuries.
Barcelona announced yesterday Rafinha are out for the rest of the season. Rafinha suffered a meniscus damage in the 4-1 victory against Granada. Barcelona issued a statement about the player’s injury.
“This afternoon, first-team player Rafinha underwent an arthroscopic examination of his right knee to treat the injury to his meniscus. The recovery time is set at four months.”
Rafinha played 28 times for Barcelona this season. The Brazilian international even managed to score seven goals. Rafinha is in a similar predicament to last season when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury. The injury sustained in a Champions League game against Roma kept the player out for most of the season.
[COMUNICADO MÉDICO]
@Rafinha estará cuatro meses de baja
Más información https://t.co/zPCCmu8aP8
#ForçaRafinha pic.twitter.com/C0ym8n9TG6
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) April 7, 2017
Malaga’s Muñoz is back in training and could be ready for the game against Barca. Keko is out due to suspension. Players doubtful to start are Torres and Kuzmanovic.
Valencia has had a nightmare season and is in a disappointing 12th place. They meet Granada who is last to bottom in La Liga. Fans will hope for an easy three points. Valencia are without Gaya and Machado. The good news is that Nani and Suarez are back in training and may get at least a few minutes on the pitch.
