Barcelona lose TWO key players ahead of Europa League return leg against Man United

Barcelona will be without two of their key midfield players in Gavi and Pedri as they travel to Old Trafford for the round-of-32 second leg against Manchester United in the Europa League.

The first encounter in Spain saw the two teams battle out a 2-2 draw, with Marcus Rashford stealing the headlines on the night.

The English forward netted his 22nd of the season and helped inspire a positive result and performance for Erik ten Hag’s side.

United will be host to Barcelona next Thursday and will feel boosted by the fact that Xavi’s team will be without two of their star men.

Gavi was shown a yellow card at the Camp Nou against The Reds, which sees him suspended for the trip to England.

Meanwhile, Pedri was replaced mid-way through the second half with an injury. Reports from Javi Miguel claim that the talented Spaniard will be out of action for a month.

The pair’s absence will be a big miss for the La Liga leaders, who would’ve been shocked by the performance from United at their home.

After conceding just seven times in the league all season, Xavi’s side looked completely vulnerable against the United frontline.

“I think Manchester United is coming back and today they showed the best version,” the Barca boss told BT Sport after the game. “We competed really well, we need to be proud. Now we need to compete well in Old Trafford.

“I think both teams are more or less in the same moment, in the same position that we are coming back. I say to Erik Ten Hag congratulations because he is doing very well, but they are Manchester United.”