Barcelona hosts Sporting without Messi

2 March 2012 /AP

Barcelona will have to overcome Lionel Messi’s absence against Sporting Gijon on Saturday as it tries to keep its dwindling chances for a fourth straight Spanish league title alive.

With Real Madrid already 10 points clear at the top of the table, Messi’s one-game suspension for having collected five yellow cards leaves coach Pep Guardiola without his top scorer in a front line already depleted by David Villa’s broken leg. The loss of the three-time World Player of the Year should open the door for Pedro Rodriguez to accompany Alexis Sanchez in attack at Camp Nou Stadium.

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