Barcelona eye crucial LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid as injured stars return

Barcelona are gearing up for a crunch La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday at Camp Nou that could have a significant impact on their season, both in terms of points and emotions.

<p>The Catalans have gone three games in all competitions without a win and could be just eight points clear at the top of the table if they lose to Atletico.</p>

As a result, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is eager to get his stars back from injury, a point he has repeatedly emphasised in recent weeks. According to Mundo Deportivo, both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have made good progress in their recoveries and returned to training on Monday. If they continue to do so, both will likely feature in the starting line-up.

However, Ousmane Dembele's recovery has been slower, and he is unlikely to be available for the Atletico clash. His absence will extend to three months after next week. If Pedri and de Jong are fit, Gavi will probably return to his left-sided midfield role, with Sergio Busquets in the middle, providing more clarity and creativity.

<p>Barcelona are also exploring all avenues to reduce costs and raise money, and they may be giving themselves extra work at the end of the season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are looking to organise a friendly in Japan at the end of the season, following their La Liga campaign. The option of heading straight to Japan from Vigo after their final La Liga game is on the table.</p>

The Blaugrana are reportedly in touch with former player Andres Iniesta, who is the captain of J1 League club Vissel Kobe, hoping that he can help facilitate some of the logistics for the trip. It would be Barcelona's ninth visit to Japan in 11 years.

Last season, they earned approximately €5million for a friendly in Australia that drew a packed-out 70,000-seater stadium in Sydney. Barcelona may also look to hold a friendly on the same weekend as the Copa del Rey final, which has been left clear for the match between Osasuna and Real Madrid.

Given the club's financial struggles, these efforts to raise funds cannot be argued with, but it would be a downer if the Blaugrana win the La Liga title on the last day of the season, only to be whisked away to Japan soon after. Nonetheless, for now, Barcelona's focus will be on getting a much-needed win against Atletico Madrid and keeping their title hopes alive.

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/barcelona-eye-crucial-liga-clash-against-atletico-madrid-as-injured-stars-return">Barcelona eye crucial La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid as injured stars return </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>