Rayo Vallecano against Barcelona Argentinian back from suspension
Lionel Messi will return for that Barcelona in Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey against the last 16 Vallecano Ray at Vallecas after missing the last two games due to suspension.
The Blaugrana had to do without Messi in the two wins against Cornella and Elche after being sent off in the final defeat to Athletic in the Supercopa de Espana, although Barcelona won both games, they weren’t the most convincing wins.
Barcelona needed extra time to overcome Segunda B-side Cornella in the previous round of the Copa, so Messi‘s return is a timely boost for the game against Rayo.
In addition, the team from Vallecas is one of the Argentinian’s favorite opponents, as he scored a whopping 17 goals in 10 games against them.
Ronald Koeman will hope for more on Wednesday night to avoid another dreaded period of extra time and the ensuing toll on the players’ legs.
The game is also coming to an end Barcelonamarathon of games on the road, of which this is the eighth this month.
When Barcelona Welcome Athletic at Camp Nou on Sunday 31 January, it will be their first home game of 2021.
Still returning home alive in the Copa del Rey is imperative, especially after losing to the Supercopa during this series of games.
It remains to be seen if Koeman will keep up grandchild in purpose for the Lightning game, but Ronald Araujo can be rested, like Clement Lenglet was in the last game, which means a fresh start for Samuel Umtiti.
Lightningin turn have a number of absences for injury and COVID-related reasons, with Emiliano Velazquez and Jose good being the last absences confirmed by the boss Andoni Iraola.
Fourth place in LaLiga SmartBank, The Franjirrojos come into the game after a loss against Real Mallorca and prior to a tough trip to leader Espanyol.