Ernesto Valverde has revealed that Barcelona could be missing several key players for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Valencia.
The Barca boss already had problems before Sunday’s final day 2-2 draw against at Eibar with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho amongst those absent from the squad.
Nelson Semedo required hospital treatment after suffering a knock during the game, while Valverde has doubts over Arthur and Ousmane Dembele.
Looking ahead to the Valencia game, which Barca will be hoping to win to complete the domestic double, Valverde is keeping his fingers crossed that some of those in the treatment room will recover.
RELATED: Barcelona Set To Attack United
He said: “Semedo was take to hospital during the game, but we are hopeful it is only a minor problem and he can return tomorrow. “We think that Ter Stegen will be fit for the final, after the initial diagnosis was reassessed. “With Coutinho, I do not know yet, but we allowed him an additional rest today.
“Dembele and Arthur are more difficult to make a decision on right now, particularly as Arthur has been carrying an injury for months.” Suarez is definitely out after undergoing knee surgery, while the potential absence of Dembele and Coutinho would leave just Malcom and youth player Abel Ruiz available to link up with Lionel Messi.
