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How the coronavirus break impacts Barça’s return to La Liga

Plagued by the plethora of multiple injuries and fitness issues, the implications of the enforced break on the Barcelona squad are worth looking at.

The break has seemingly given Barça a few distinct boosts. Reports from Mundo Deportivo AS and Sport have it that the once beleaguered Barca coaching staff are highly impressed with the players’ fitness levels upon their return to training. The break has at least served well in the vital areas of rest and preparation for key players.

Most notably Luis Suárez has been well on the road to full recovery and is showing a greatly improved level in training. After having undergone knee surgery for a serious meniscus injury in January, he was ruled out for the full remainder of the season. The break however has expedited his keenly-anticipated return in great physical condition. Apparently he is also on the verge of receiving full medical clearance.

The sensations are very good. I’m happy. The coronavirus has allowed me to feature in games in which I wouldn’t be able to participate before the whole crisis 

Luis Suárez

More good news for Barca fans follow as players like Arthur and Sergi Roberto who were also struggling with their fitness before the break have now also fully recovered. That aside, even the indefatigable Leo Messi was given a much needed period of rest.

All this will no doubt be a massive boost for Quique Setién and a major adrenaline shot in the arm for Barca as the club has been compelled to scape by all this while with a definitely less than desirable, paper-thin squad with key stars like Suárez out of action. He and others will be returning to action, which will also allow Setién to better plan and implement his tactics.

And as mentioned earlier, a fully revitalised Messi as the central lynchpin eager to burst out into action again after a relatively disappointing season so far by his incomparable standards will definitely serve as the primary motivating the Barca squad needs to break all barriers. Ter Stegen had hinted at Messi’s resurgent form upon returning to training after the break, Barca’s rivals will not like this revitalised and fully recharged Messi.

Hopefully this rejuvenation for the key players from the enforced break will be the key to push Barça over the line to reinforce their dominance and presence in the La Liga.