Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Argentine back from suspension
Lionel Messi will return for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last 16 match by Wednesday night Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas after missing the last two games due to suspension.
The Blaugrana had to do without Messi in the two victories against Cornella and Elche after being sent off in the Supercopa de Espana final against Athletic, although Barcelona won both matches, it was not the most convincing victory.
Barcelona needs extra time to overcome the Segunda B-side Cornella in the previous round of the Copa, so MessiThe return is a timely boost for the game against Rayo.
What’s more, the Vallecas team is one of Argentina’s favorite opponents, as he has scored 17 goals in ten games against them.
Ronald Koeman will still be hoping to avoid another dreaded time of extra time on Wednesday night and the subsequent toll it takes on the players’ legs.
The game also ends Barcelona‘s marathon of races on the way, with this the eighth of this month.
When Barcelona welcome Athletic to the Camp Nou on Sunday 31 January, this is their first home game of 2021.
Getting back alive in the Copa del Rey is essential, especially after losing this series of matches to the Supercopa.
It remains to be seen whether Koeman will stay by Neto in goal for the Rayo game but Ronald Araujo can be rested, as Clement Lenglet was in the last game, which means another start for Samuel Umtiti.
Rayohas in turn a number of absences due to injuries and COVID-related reasons, with Emiliano Velazquez and Jose Pozo being the youngest absentee confirmed by boss Andoni Iraola.
Ranked fourth in LaLiga SmartBank, Los Franjirrojos comes into the match due to a loss against Real Mallorca and ahead of a difficult trip to league leaders Espanyol.