Mascherano returns for Juve clash

Javier Mascherano has recovered from a calf injury for Barcelona, while 19-year-old Carles Aleña replaces the injured Arda Turan.

There were initial fears that the 32-year-old would miss the match after missing training for the Blaugrana earlier in the week with a calf injury, but he has reportedly recovered and is in the squad for Wednesday’s night against Juventus.

Mascherano played the full 90 minutes during last week’s 3-0 defeat in Turin, covering the absence of suspended Sergio Busquets during the first-half before returning to his role as a centre-back for the second part of the game.

Despite returning to training, Turan has not convinced Luis Enrique of his fitness for this tie and is said to be a major doubt for El Clasico on Sunday.

The Barca boss has promoted 19-year-old Carles Aleña from the second team to face Juventus as long-term casualties Rafinha Alcantara and Aleix Vidal also remain on the sidelines.

Furthermore, Jeremy Mathieu and third keeper Jordi Masip have also been excluded from the Luis Enrique's 18-man squad after the latter had a game to forget in the first leg.

Tags Javier Mascherano Juventus
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