Barcelona Midfield Duo Return From Injury for Copa Del Rey Clash With Atletico Madrid

Published on: 06 February 2017

Barcelona midfielders Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets have recovered from injuries and will be available for the club's second leg Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid.


TheDaily Mailreport manager Luis Enrique has included both of the Spain internationals for Tuesday's cup match fixture.


The Catalan giants triumphed in the first leg 2-1, despite the absence of both Iniesta and Busquets, with Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic and Javier Mascherano playing in midfield.

Iniesta was sidelined for five matches due to a left-leg muscle injury, but the side have shown little weakness without the 32-year-old, winning four of their last five La Liga matches and drawing 1-1 at Real Betis.


Busquets has been sidelined for four games after damaging a ligament in his right foot, but could return to Barcelona's starting team after recovering from the injury.


Barcelona, who are currently a point behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race having played two games more, will be without forward Neymar, who is due to serve a ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Injury problems have restricted Iniesta's season to just 18 appearances in all competitions, managing one goal in a Champions League victory over Celtic.


Busquets has made 17 La Liga appearances, contributing an assist, but hasn't played since the 4-0 win over Eibar in January.


Should Barcelona progress, they will face either Alaves or Celta Vigo in the final.

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