On Saturday and for at least the rest of this season, Barcelona will be without left back Eric Abidal. The longtime French international who had a benign tumor removed from his liver last year learned this week that he needs a liver transplant. Barcelona are already in need of a downright miracle to win La Liga, and they could find it tough to focus on football. They're coming up against an incredibly difficult opponent in Sevilla on Saturday.
Sevilla Vs. Barcelona, 2012 La Liga Week 27: Will Abidal Be A Distraction?
Will Barcelona be fully focused on their football when they meet Sevilla?
Sevilla drew Barcelona 0-0 at the Camp Nou on the back of an unbelievable performance from Javi Varas, who won’t be starting at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Andres Palop has reclaimed his starting spot in goal. Sevilla is in a massive fight for fourth place that just about all of La Liga is a part of, and a point at home against Barcelona could go a long way towards helping them climb up the table.
Barcelona are still without David Villa long-term. Alexis Sanchez and Thiago Alcantara have recently returned to full training after brief spells out and should make the squad, but are unlikely to start for the Blaugrana.
Game Date/Time: Saturday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), GolTV (Canada), Sky Sports 4 (UK)
Online: ESPN3
For more on the Blaugranes, check out FC Barcelona blogs Barca Blaugranes and The Offside Barcelona.
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