Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets missed the first leg of the Europa League play-off with Manchester United through injury.
As per Transfermarkt, the experienced Spaniard has missed his side’s last three matches with an ankle injury he picked up against Sevilla earlier this month.
He was back on the bench for Sunday’s 2-0 home win over Cadiz but Xavi did not bring him on.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have offered an update on Barcelona’s squad ahead of their huge game this Thursday night at Old Trafford.
Sergio Busquets injury status for Manchester United v Barcelona
They report that 13 players actually came into training on their day off yesterday (Monday) after the Cadiz win to tune up for facing United.
Busquets was among them, and the report claims he trained as normal as he continues his journey back to full fitness.
They claim he would not need to be eased in against United. He is fit to start the game at Old Trafford if Xavi decides to call upon him.
Pedri started the first leg but picked up an injury, which looks set to rule him out of Thursday’s game which only increases the chances of Busquets coming back in.
On Sunday, Sergi Roberto came in for Pedri, with Frenkie de Jong continuing to anchor the midfield in Busquets’ absence.
But on Thursday, Busquets could get the nod to play as the deepest midfielder, with the likelihood being that Xavi did not want to rush him back at the weekend and risk a setback.
That would allow de Jong to play slightly further forward, where he tends to prefer, allowing him to carry the ball forward more.
Busquets has seen it all and will not be overawed at Old Trafford, and if he plays, it would also allow Casemiro to resume his El Clasico midfield battle with the anchorman.
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