Barcelona charge for the La Liga title has received a major advantage prior to their game against Mallorca, as their opponents are set to be without six first-team players due to injuries and suspensions.
With the absences, Hansi Flick’s men will be looking to take full advantage of a depleted Mallorca squad at what could be a pivotal stage of the season.
Mallorca will lament their loss as it significantly hampers their attacking threat, and they will be missing both their leading goalscorer, Vedat Muriqi, and playmaker Robert Navarro, in addition to winger Takuma Asano, due to injuries.
They are also without Manu Morlanes, which reduces their attacking threat even more, and to add to their already significant woes, Pablo Maffeo and Dani Rodríguez both found themself suspended for five yellow cards shown in their prior draw against Leganés.
These absences could not have come at a worse time for Mallorca, especially since they tend to thrive without possession and confronting the opponent in a compact shape with quick counterattacks.
Coach Jagoba Arrasate will now have to try to make do with a patched-up team, thinking of players like Mateu Morey and Antonio Sánchez, who, it would be fair to say, lack a similar level of experience.
Even with the wiggle of including Marc Domenech, a player once on the radar of Barcelona, it may not be enough to remedy the diminishing quality at such a vital time.
However, Barcelona will also miss their top goal scorer this season due to a thigh injury.
In terms of the players to watch, this is another match-up for Barcelona where they can gain three important points.
Every match is a must-win when Real Madrid is still close behind, and playing at home against a depleted Mallorca team is an opportunity.
Flick’s men will have the bulk of the possession and will try to exploit Mallorca’s restructured defense early, targeted by not just Ferran Torres but also Lamine Yamal, looking to capitalize on disorganization in the Mallorca defense.
If Barcelona can capitalize on Mallorca’s bad luck, they can take a strong step in solidifying their title credentials while also pressuring their opponents.
Without key players, playing for the visitors will feel impossible—that is, hopefully, what plays into Barcelona’s hands.
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