Defensive headache for Barcelona as Gerard Martin misses Villarreal La Liga clash

The 23-year-old picked up his fifth booking of the season in Sunday's 3-0 win over Levante, triggering an automatic one-match ban and ruling him out of the game against the Yellow Submarine.

With Martin unavailable, manager Hansi Flick must rejig his back line against a Villarreal side that sits firmly in the top part of the table. One likely option is to keep Joao Cancelo at left-back after his solid display versus Levante, while young Pau Cubarsi could come back into the fold after being rested recently.

Flick also has to manage discipline among his squad. Midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong and defender Jules Kounde both sit on four yellow cards, meaning another caution in this match would see either player suspended for the next league fixture.

Barcelona arrive at this game on the back of reclaiming top spot in the league following their dominant win over Levante and Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Osasuna, which handed Flick's side the one point advantage.

For Villarreal, the trip to Catalonia represents a significant test. They have been competitive this season and can influence the title race if they can deny Barcelona three points. Victory for Barca would stretch their lead at the summit, especially with Real Madrid not in action in LaLiga until Monday.

The team selection and tactical tweaks by Flick will be under the spotlight, as the Blaugrana aim to stay ahead in one of Europe's tightest title battles.

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