Barca squad depth set to be tested with busy run of games

LaLiga leaders Barcelona will not have a moment to catch their breath as they play Osasuna and Girona in the space of three days after a punishing international break left their players either fatigued or unavailable and manager Hansi Flick fuming.

Barca and Osasuna were forced to reschedule their March 8 fixture following the death of the Catalan club's doctor and, with a busy schedule in other competitions, March 27 was the only date available straight after the international break.

As 13 Barcelona players return from national team duty, Brazil's Raphinha has no time to fly back and recover for Thursday's game while several others participated in Nations League quarter-finals that went to extra time and penalties.

Barca play every three days until April 15, a run of seven games in three competitions. After playing Osasuna, they host Girona on Sunday and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals three days later following a 4-4 draw in the first leg.

Barcelona and Osasuna had appeals to postpone the game rejected and Flick's side must now fulfil the fixture without key forward Raphinha, who has played every LaLiga game this season and has 27 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.

Raphinha's leadership and his form have put him in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or but Flick did not mince his words when he bemoaned the fact he will not have the Brazil winger on Thursday when his side will be tested by Osasuna.

Midfielder Pedri said: "We're a little tired, but we can't forget that we're Barca. If it's decided we have to play on Thursday, we'll do it and give everything we have to win La Liga."

Barcelona are on a seven-match winning streak in LaLiga but Osasuna were the first team to beat them this season with a