Barcelona will be eagerly resuming their campaign against RCD Mallorca on the 13th of June, which is without doubt an ideal game for the Blaugranas to return to as Vicente Moreno’s Mallorca side are now precariously docked in the relegation zone, with only a dismal 25 points.
It’s clearly to be expected that Barça will be pressing hard to take advantage of the situation and make sure the players are in peak form and ready for competition again as Mallorca have been barren in their last nine league meetings against Barcelona. This match will be an unyielding litmus test for them in their battle for survival in the La Liga top flight.
Quique Setien will most likely field his strongest possible XI to make sure all the players are smoothly in the same groove. Last minute unexpected major upsets aside, the option of having five substitutions will also come in handy. A good result will be key as the reigning champions will host Leganés just three days later.
Barça’s return to La Liga is not expected to be a walk in the park as the matches are very compactly scheduled to make up for lost time with a fixture every three to five days. And due to the lengthy period of rest brought about by the pandemic lockdown, the barrage of games could cause a surge in injuries due to fitness problems. Squad rotation and managing substitutions properly will be paramount especially when considering the squad sheet still lacks depth. Even minor injuries could result in players easily missing up to two to three games at a time.
The boost for Barca is the news that Luis Suarez is now almost fully fit and ready to assume his position alongside Messi, while Arthur and Sergi Roberto have also been declared ready for full action. Messi himself is also well rested and raring to burst into action. Which should all augur well for Barcelona.
So although the tight schedule will be a stern test for the reigning champions, it can be expected that they will not hold back in giving their all to stay ahead of their eternal rivals Real Madrid in this hotly contested title race.