Pique, Arda out of Barcelona´s Alaves trip

Barcelona have confirmed that Gerard Pique and Arda Turan will miss Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Alaves.

Turkey international Arda is suffering from a groin problem and was forced to sit out Friday’s training session, while Pique is reported to have trained away from the team due to a fitness concern.

The news is a worry for Luis Enrique’s side, with Rafinha out with a broken nose and Javier Mascherano sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu are the only recognised centre-backs in the 18-man squad, which includes 19-year-old midfielder Carles Alena.

Captain Andres Iniesta is included and could make his first league appearance since the 1-1 draw with Villarreal on January 8.

“Arda Turan missed Friday’s training session at the Ciutat Esportiva with a groin problem and was not included in the list,” Barca said in a statement. 

“Rafinha is still recovering from a broken nose so he misses out, as does Javier Mascherano, who picked up a hamstring injury on Tuesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

“Goalkeeper Jordi Masip and defender Gerard Pique have also been omitted from the squad which means a place for B team midfielder Carles Alena, who also trained with the first team on Friday ahead of the league clash with fellow Copa del Rey finalists Alaves.”

The 18 players who will face Alavés on Saturday https://t.co/FWG8C20km3 #ForçaBarça #AlavésFCB #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/BHTOc4Ofhc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 10, 2017