You really can't blame anyone on the Barcelona team if their minds are not completely focused on their match against Real Valladolid. Head coach Tito Vilanova's cancer has come back and the first year manager, who had surgery Thursday, is now again on the load road to recovery. The hardest thing for Barca this weekend will be getting back to business and not slipping up against a Valladolid team that shouldn't really challenge them.
Real Valladolid vs. Barcelona 2012: Preview and TV schedule
Barcelona will likely face a bigger challenge dealing with Tito Vilanova’s cancer relapse than anything Valladolid can throw at them
David Ramos
It’s not cold or insensitive to say that since part of being a professional is working through tough situations like this and still getting your job done. Sure Barca could afford to drop points but something tells me that Vilanova would not be thrilled if his team gave up any ground in the title race because they were worried about him.
Miroslav Djukic will likely stick with the same lineup that played Deportivo La Coruna to a scoreless draw in the mid-week.
Real Valladolid injuries and suspensions
Out: Patrick Ebert (muscle). In doubt: Alvaro Rubio (muscle)
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Adriano (thigh), Alex Song (knee), Cesc Fabregas (thigh). In Doubt: Andres Iniesta (knock).
Fabregas is still working his way back from a thigh injury and he'll be joined on the injury list by Adriano and Alex Song. Iniesta has recovered from a knock and is training and should be able to play. Valladolid's only issue is Alvaro Rubio who is struggling with a muscle problem but still could play, while Ebert remains out after injuring himself against Real Madrid two weeks ago.
Match Date/Time: 7 p.m. local, 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain
TV: beIN Sport (U.S.)
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