Luis Enrique will be forced to shake up his back line as a result of suspensions and injuries. Gerard Piqué’s fifth booking last weekend means that the manager will have to change his central defensive pairing. With Marc Bartra being given the cold shoulder and Jeremy Mathieu recently returned from injury, Thomas Vermaelen has the best chance of coming into the starting line-up at La Rosaleda.
The change would be of little note if it were not for the events of the teams’ previous meeting this season. The Belgian broke the deadlock with a goal with just over 15 minutes left on the clock. Vermaelen, who has not enjoyed much game time, may well get another shot against Málaga.
Meanwhile, with Jordi Alba out injured, Mathieu could step in at left-back, although Sergi Roberto looks more likely to keep his place.
Bron : Marca
