Barcelona expect to have key player available against Real Sociedad following injury scare

Barcelona extended their winning run to seven matches on Wednesday with a convincing win away at Crvena Zvedza in the Champions League. However, it wasn’t a perfect night for Hansi Flick’s side in Belgrade, as Pau Cubarsi was forced off during the second half after he suffered a deep cut to his face.

10 stitches were required to fix the wound, which has put pay to his chances of being involved in Spain’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland. It has also led to doubts about whether he can play for Barcelona against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.

Cubarsi will test himself during Saturday’s training session, with MD reporting that his wounds have healed well in the last few days. Inflammation has also subsided, meaning that he is expected to be including in Flick’s matchday squad for the trip to Donostia-San Sebastian – if he is, he’d have to wear a mask as protection.

There is no doubt that Barcelona need Cubarsi to be available. La Real are a very tough opponent, and especially at Reale Arena, and if he were unable to play, it’s likely that Sergi Dominguez would be brought in to start for only the third time.