Barcelona have been dealt a blow ahead of their La Liga clash with Mallorca after Arthur was left out of the squad due to injury. The Brazilian midfielder is the latest first-team player to be sidelined with fitness issues as manager Ernesto Valverde deals with an ever-growing list of absentees. Both Arthur and Ansu Fati failed late fitness tests after suffering knocks in training and have not been included in this weekend’s squad while three other stars are also ruled out. Barcelona fans have the added concern of Lionel Messi’s impending retirement, with the Argentine superstar dropping hints about the end of his career after receiving his sixth Ballon d’Or in midweek. The 32-year-old caused a stir in his celebratory speech by saying: “You enjoy these moments more because my retirement is getting nearer.”JUST IN: Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City set for January transfer battle for Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti

Source: Express December 07, 2019 12:56 UTC