Barcelona have won only 11 of their 38 league trips to the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, losing 20
There is little margin for error on Thursday night when Barcelona return to the Carlos Tartiere Stadium for the first time in 25 years, facing newly promoted Real Oviedo in La Liga.
Hansi Flick’s side sit five points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who have opened the season with six wins from six. With the title race already taking shape and always decided by the slightest of margins, Barcelona can ill afford further slip-ups.
The fixture carries extra significance for the squad following confirmation earlier in the week that midfielder Gavi will be out for around five months after knee surgery.
The 21-year-old midfielder underwent an arthroscopy that revealed further meniscus damage, forcing an extended spell on the sidelines. The team have voiced their support on social media and are determined to dedicate a victory on Thursday night to him.
Barcelona will have to win in spite of their growing injury list. The biggest one is Lamine Yamal, who is being eased back to fitness and may not feature until next week’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Attacking mid Fermin Lopez is expected to miss up to three weeks with a muscle problem, while Alejandro Balde is only targeting a return on Sunday against Real Sociedad.
The one shining light has been the improved form of Marcus Rashford, who scored a brace against Newcastle last week, although he was then subsequently dropped against Getafe after an issue of lateness.
The on-loan forward will start on the left, while Raphinha is expected to feature on the right. Flick could then start either Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski as a centre forward. He has lately preferred the Spaniard.
Barcelona have won only 11 of their 38 league trips to Oviedo, losing 20. Their last visit came in January 2001, a 3-2 win under Lorenzo Serra Ferrer.
