Barcelona receive huge injury boost ahead of back-to-back Clasicos

Two players have rejoined training ahead of the midweek Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid.

Barcelona have a tough few weeks ahead of them as they face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey as well as the league and then Rayo Vallecano before a pivotal second leg against Lyon in the Champions League round of 16. The league is looking comfortable as they have a seven-point gap on Atletico Madrid in second, but their place is under threat in the other two competitions as they are finely poised at 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

Arthur Melo and Jasper Cillessen were both back training with the group on Monday after being out with injuries. Having the Brazilian midfielder is a huge boost for the team due to how he suits the philosophy of the team perfectly with his press resistance and La pausa that enables him to open up passing lanes to the forwards. He might not be back to full fitness for the midweek clash, but he should be available for the league Clasico.

In Arthur’s absence, Arturo Vidal, Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho have all filled in at various times with little success. Carles Alena did impress during his brief cameo against Sevilla, although it’s unlikely that it was enough to wrest away the starting position. The whole cohesiveness of the team is likely to improve with his arrival due to how he aids in ball progression and that is only likely to help Lionel Messi in this key run which spells trouble for the opposition.

Cillessen looked set to miss both of the semi-final legs when he picked up a calf injury at the start of February, which was a major disappointment for him as they were set to be his biggest matches of the season due to being limited to playing in the cup as backup behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, he could be set to return a few weeks ahead of schedule and if not he does at least ensure there is experienced depth in that position during the upcoming tough spell.