Barcelona given unexpected boost with Mallorca hit by six absentees | OneFootball

Barcelona’s quest to reclaim the La Liga title has received a timely boost ahead of their upcoming home clash against Mallorca.

While every match is crucial at this stage of the season, this particular fixture tilts even more in Barcelona’s favour due to serious setbacks facing the visiting side.

As such, Mallorca will arrive at Montjuic without six key players, significantly weakening their squad. Their top striker, Vedat Muriqi, along with Robert Navarro, Takuma Asano and Manu Morlanes, are all sidelined through injury.

In addition to this, Pablo Maffeo and Dani Rodriguez are suspended after picking up their fifth yellow cards in Mallorca’s recent goalless draw against Leganes.

These absences are particularly damaging as all six are usually part of the starting line-up when fit, leaving coach Jagoba Arrasate with no choice but to reshuffle his side for the difficult trip to Barcelona.

A major advantage at a crucial time for the Catalans

Mallorca will be without six first team players. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

With Mallorca likely to stick to their defensive five-man setup despite missing several first team regulars, Barcelona will have a great opportunity to take full advantage of their opponent’s limited resources.

The likes of Mateu Morey and Antonio Sanchez are expected to fill in for the suspended players, but the overall quality and depth in the Mallorca squad will take a noticeable hit.

Even the inclusion of reserve team player Marc Domenech, who had attracted Barcelona’s interest last summer, will not be enough to fully compensate for the absentees.

For Barcelona, this match comes at a perfect time. With momentum on their side and the title race heating up, facing a weakened Mallorca could be exactly what they need to keep up pressure on their rivals.

Hansi Flick’s men will be eager to capitalise on this chance and secure three important points at home, especially against a side missing some of its most influential names.