Barcelona are a mess, assuming all the reports in the media about Lionel Messi being done with head coach Luis Enrique are true. The firing of director of football Andoni Zubizarreta is a clear sign there's something going on, and there's rumors that Enrique could be next. In the midst of all that turmoil, Barcelona must play Elche in the first leg of their Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie.
Barcelona vs. Elche live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the Copa del Rey online
Everything interesting about this Copa del Rey match has nothing to do with what’s happening on the field.
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After Barca's defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad over the weekend, there's big questions about whether or not this team is on the same page with their head coach anymore. With a huge match against Atlético Madrid looming on the weekend, the Blaugrana could really use a positive result, and Elche might be just the ticket.
Los Franjiverdes have only won twice in 17 league games, and haven’t scored an away goal since October. The team met on the opening day of La Liga back in August and Barca won easily 3-0.
Messi missed training on Monday with an “upset stomach”, though who knows if that’s the truth. Rafhina was also out with an ear infection, leaving both players status up in the air. Since Messi was benched over the weekend, it seems likely he’ll play though. Neymar is also expected to return to the lineup after sitting out in Sunday’s loss.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Thomas Vermalen (hamstring). In Doubt: Lionel Messi (illness), Rafinha (ear infection).
Elche injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), beIN Sports (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), TV3, Antena 3 (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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