Spanish leaders Barcelona will have to play out the last eight matches of 2013, starting Saturday against Granada, without two key men: world player of the year Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Messi has a damaged left hamstring; Valdes – who has been in the best form of his career recently – a torn muscle in his right leg.
In addition, playmaker Xavi is doubtful for Saturday with a muscle strain and Jordi Alba is still two weeks away from full fitness.
However, the statistics suggest that Barca should not be too worried. Valdes and Messi have only been absent at the same time in 16 matches since 2007, but 13 of these were victories and only two were defeats.
“Barca have a system, and this system usually continues regardless of which players are injured,” commented Catalan radio station RAC-1.
Meanwhile, Barca’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said about Valdes injury, which was sustained Tuesday in the South Africa friendly international: “It’s not good news, injuries never arrive at a good time.
“It’s usually rare to get a muscle injury in a keeper, they normally get injured by knocks. I’ve had a couple and they leave you a bit bewildered.”
Valdes will be replaced by 38 year-old understudy Jose Manuel Pinto, who usually only gets to play in cup matches, while in-form Alexis Sanchez and winger Pedro will be competing for Messi’s place.
Barca have dropped only two points so far and are three ahead of Atletico Madrid, who will receive Getafe later Saturday.
Atletico, in turn, are three ahead of neighbours Real, who will visit lowly Almeria.
Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo is in brutal form at the moment, as Sweden found out to their cost Tuesday when Ronaldo banged in a decisive hat-trick for Portugal in the World Cup play-offs.
“It won’t be easy for us to stop Ronaldo on Saturday,” said Almeria striker Rodri.
“He showed the world last night what an incredible player he is…Let’s just hope he arrives here a little tired after all his travelling.”
Saturday’s other match is Real Sociedad v Getafe.
The 14th round of games will kick off Friday with a relegation clash between Valladolid and Osasuna.
Sunday will see a tense Seville derby between Sevilla and Betis, both of whom have made a poor start. Both coaches, Unai Emery and Pepe Mel, are under threat of the sack.
Levante v Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano v Espanyol and Elche v Valencia are Sunday’s other games while Monday will see struggling Malaga at home to fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, with Malaga boss Bernd Schuster staring down the barrel of a loaded gun.
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