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Benficavs.Barcelona

sportsmole.co.uk, 2 March 2025, 21:19
Barcelona will be bidding to claim a positive result when they take on Benfica in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest on Wednesday night.

The Catalan giants will enter the match off the back of a 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad in Spain's top flight, with the result moving them back to the top of the La Liga table.

Hansi Flick's side are unbeaten in all competitions this year, and they have emerged as one of the favourites for the Champions League this season considering the level of their performances.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Barcelona's injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Benfica, who have not been in action since beating Braga in the Taca de Portugal on February 26.

Andreas Christensen

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 5 (vs. Benfica)

Christensen, who has only played once this season due to injury problems, has recently been on the sidelines with a calf issue, but the Denmark international has now been medically cleared to return.

Marc Bernal

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Bernal suffered an ACL injury against Rayo Vallecano in the league earlier this term, and he is out for the season, with the youngster working to be ready for pre-season ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Barcelona remain without their number one goalkeeper Ter Stegen due to the serious knee injury that he suffered in the clash with Villarreal on September 22. However, the German is now back on the training field and making excellent progress in his recovery.

Gavi

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: March 5 (vs. Benfica)

Gavi was not involved against Real Sociedad on Sunday due to a fever, but the Spanish midfielder is expected to have recovered in time for the Champions League contest with Benfica.

BARCELONA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Barcelona have no players suspended for the clash with Benfica.

Written by

Matt Law

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