Injury-hit Barça hope to overcome their ‘Fifa virus’

LEADERS Barcelona host Granada today hoping to avoid another dose of the “Fifa virus”, the dip in form they have often suffered in their first match back after an international break.

In their two La Liga outings immediately following their players’ return from national duty this season, Barça needed a last-gasp Alexis Sanchez goal to scrape past Sevilla 3-2 in September and were held to a 0-0 draw at Osasuna last month, the only points they have dropped in 13 matches.

Their task against eighthplaced Granada has been complicated by a rash of injuries to key performers, including Lionel Messi, playmaker Xavi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Messi is unlikely to play again before mid-January, Xavi is a doubt for today and Valdes, who has made a host of crucial saves this season, is out for around six weeks.

Coach Gerardo Martino will be looking to Brazil forward Neymar, to shoulder some of the burden of scoring and creating goals in Messi’s absence, while Chile’s Alexis has been in fine form for club and country in recent weeks.

Barça are three points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who host city rivals Getafe today after Real Madrid, a further three points back in third, play at promoted Almeria.

Real’s Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga’s top-scorer with 16 goals, is on a high after his brilliant hat-trick against Sweden on Tuesday secured his country’s place at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

The 28-year-old is close to unstoppable on current form but Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also has injury problems to deal with, especially in defence.

Ronaldo’s Portugal team mate Fabio Coentrao was hurt in the Sweden game, while fellow left back Marcelo has not played since damaging his knee in training on November 8 and is not due back for another couple of weeks.

Ancelotti will also have to shuffle his midfield after regular starter Sami Khedira tore knee ligaments playing for Germany last week and has been ruled out for six months.

Playmaker Isco, who started the season strongly but has faded in recent weeks, could come in to play behind Real’s formidable attacking trident of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and record signing Gareth Bale, Ancelotti said this week.

Atletico have emerged as a genuine third force alongside wealthy Real and Barça, at least for the time being, but face a stiff test against Getafe, who have out-performed this term and are sixth.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone has infected his players with the same fighting spirit he showed as a combative midfielder and Messi had warm words of praise for his Argentine compatriot in Marca.

“Atletico is a very competitive team,” Messi said. “Some thought they wouldn't be able to maintain the rhythm but carrying on from the end of last season they are still fighting on all fronts.” – Reuters