Ter Stegen is out but Frenkie is back for Barcelona's tough trip to Vallecas

Football finally returns for a Barcelona that can't afford any more slip-ups after the last international break of the year has left them even more depleted. The "FIFA virus" has sidelined Gavi, who won't be able to play for the remainder of the season, and has also affected goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who will be absent for today's La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano.

Coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed this in a press conference after the goalkeeper continued to have back problems yesterday. A lumbar issue that he hasn't overcome, preventing him from being at a hundred per cent, as confirmed by the morning tests. Following the examination, the German goalkeeper neither trained nor stayed at the Ciutat Esportiva training centre, knowing he would be unavailable for the trip to the Vallecas suburb of Madrid. The decision, agreed upon by all parties, was not to take risks. No deadlines are set for Ter Stegen's return because the upcoming games against Porto, Atletico Madrid and Girona could prove crucial. His feelings will determine the timing of his return, and the idea is to evaluate day by day. For now, substitute goalie Inaki Pena.

The positive note for Barca this afternoon will be the return of Frenkie de Jong, who received medical clearance after yesterday's afternoon training. The Dutch midfielder returns two months later after injuring his right ankle in the match against Celta in the sixth round. Xavi confirmed that he has trained at full capacity all week and will be one of the attractions in Vallecas, a ground that has been difficult for the Catalans in their recent visits. Pedri, in his second consecutive start, will be his ideal partner after the injury to connect with Robert Lewandowski.

It's worth remembering that in the last two visits, Rayo took all three points. Two seasons ago, in 2021/22, Barca lost 1-0 with a goal from Radamel Falcao. A goal that ended up condemning Ronald Koeman. Subsequently, with Xavi on the bench, Barca's last trip to Vallecas ended in a 2-1 loss.

Xavi still won't be able to count on Sergi Roberto, who is in the final stages of his recovery. To complete the squad, the coach took the two midfielders he likes the most to replace Gavi: Unai Hernandez and Aleix Garrido, while youth goalkeepers Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili also traveled to Madrid as backup goalkeepers.

LA LIGA - Matchday 14

Friday

Alaves - Granada 3-1 (2-0)

/Torrent 11 og, Rebbach 38, Omorodion 55 - Uzuni 86 pen/

Saturday

16.00: (5.50) Rayo Vallecano (3.70) Barcelona (1.70)

18.15: (2.27) Valencia (3.35) Celta (3.35)

20.30: (1.73) Getafe (3.60) Almeria (5.40)

23.00: (1.42) Atl.Madrid (4.60) Mallorca (9.00)

Sunday

16.00: (2.35) Villareal (3.50) Osasuna (3.30)

18.15: (1.84) Sociedad (3.60) Sevilla (5.10)

20.30: (7.00) Cadiz (4.30) Real Madrid (1.56)

23.00: (1.79) Betis (3.50) Las Palmas (5.00)

Monday

23.00: (2.40) Girona (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (3.15)

23.00: (1.90) Mallorca (3.50) Cadiz (4.70)

***odds are subject to change