Barcelona vs Osasuna Match Preview
Three consecutive defeats have lowered Osasuna's spirit at the worst of times, as they must visit the Camp Nou to lock horns with the wounded Liga leader, Barcelona.
Osasuna's Sergio Fernández, Patxi Puñal and Fernando Soriano are ruled out of the game due to disciplinary action, joining injured Roberto López and Masoud Shojaei. Striker Carlos Aranda, on the other hand, might return to the starting squad after five weeks away from the fields with a muscular fatigue.
Kike Sola missed the last few trainings with a gastrointestinal disorder, and it's uncertain whether he will be fully fit to perform or not.
Barcelona lost its first Clasico against Real Madrid since 2008, but there's no time for regrets as Guardiola's Blaugranas take on Real Madrid next Wednesday for the Champions League semi-finals.
"There's no fear, the concern is natural. We have three games at home following this one. You can lose three consecutive games just as easily as you can win them" said Osasuna's Alvaro Cejuda, confident the disappointing results of the last few games have not had anything to do with a "wrong" attitude in the Rojillos' squad.
Pep Guardiola might choose not to risk winger Adriano, who was substituted in the 117th minute at the Mestalla with a pulled muscle. Javier Mascherano could join Gerard Pique once again in the back line, just as Gabriel Milito could return to the starting eleven to cover his natural position.
A victory is mandatory for Barcelona to recover its spirit before the first semi-final with Real Madrid, can Osasuna stop them?