Barcelona star walking Europa League suspension tightrope ahead of Manchester United tie

Barcelona starlet Gavi will be suspended for the Europa League play-off second leg with Manchester United, should he pick up a booking in the first tie this week.

Gavi, 18, is one of the most promising young players on the planet and - despite his tender years - is already a key part of the Barcelona side. He's made 31 appearances for the Catalan giants in all competitions this term and is expected to feature on Thursday when United visit the Nou Camp.

However, the 17-cap Spain international will have to tread carefully against Erik ten Hag's side given he is one caution away from suspension having collected two yellow cards during the Champions League group stage.

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As per UEFA rules, those bookings carry over to every European competition. Barcelona were eliminated from the marquee Champions League at the first hurdle this season, while United finished runners-up in their Europa League group to set up a heavyweight showdown.

With a place in the last-16 at stake, Barcelona and United will do battle over two legs in what's unquestionably the tie of the round. Barcelona are odds-on favourites to win La Liga this campaign and United have markedly improved under ten Hag, with his team still competing for honours on four fronts.

However, they will be without several players through injury for their European double header, while Lisandro Martinez and Bayern Munich loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer are both suspended for the first leg. Martinez was booked three times in six Europa League group stage outings while Sabitzer is banned having accrued yellow cards while playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League earlier this term. United midfielder Casemiro is available despite being