Midweek action in La Liga continues with reigning champions Barcelona visiting the newly promoted Real Oviedo

Midweek action in La Liga continues with reigning champions Barcelona visiting the newly promoted Real Oviedo.

Barcelona are back on the road in La Liga for the first time since dropping points against a gritty Rayo Vallecano side. Hansi Flick’s men have looked significantly better winning three matches in a row including a strong win in Champions League play against Newcastle United.

A 3–0 pummeling of Getafe last time out confirmed the Catalan’s surge in form, though, they’ll make the trip to Oviedo with significant absentees due to injury. Nevertheless, a victory is paramount to keep up the pace with current leaders Real Madrid.

Real Oviedo have struggled since returning to Spain’s top-flight. Veljko Paunović’s side managed just three points from five matches so far scoring just once. Still, they’ll be up and ready for their first game against Barcelona since 2001.

Paunović confirmed that former Arsenal midfielder and Real Oviedo legend Santi Cazorla will get the nod from the start for the first time this season against Barcelona.

The hosts will be hoping to add to their unimpressive record of having scored just one goal since returning to La Liga. Venezuela international Salomón Rondón will start up top, but Federico Viñas could see minutes as he returns from suspension.

Elsewhere, David Costas, Nacho Vidal and Ovie Ejaria remain sidelined with injuries. However, Luka Ilić appears to have avoided a major injury and could be on the pitch for Barça’s visit.

Barcelona have been dealt tough injury blows in recent weeks. Fermín López picked up a muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks. To make matters worse, Gavi underwent knee surgery to repair his right meniscus and is expected to miss four-to-five months.

Ballon d’Or runner-up Lamine Yamal is expected to miss his fourth consecutive match for Barcelona, eying a return for next weekend’s clash against Real Sociedad. Alejandro Balde is also nearing a return from a hamstring injury, but he’s still unlikely to feature at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

Marcus Rashford, Gerard Martín and Dani Olmo are all poised to get the nod in the absence of Barça’s injured stars. Ferran Torres has been in fine form since the start of the term and should keep his place over Robert Lewandowski.