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La Liga | Gameweek 15
Dec 31, 2022 at 1pm UK
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Barcelona
1 - 1
Espanyol

Alonso (7')
Fati (25'), Gavi (30'), Alba (74'), Torres (75'), Pedri (76'), Xavi (90+7'), Raphinha (90+5'), Tenas (90+7')
Alba (78')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Joselu (73' pen.)
Olivan (30'), Cabrera (31'), Calero (55'), Souza (73'), Exposito (74'), Joselu (81'), Puado (90+6')

Robert Lewandowski cleared to face Espanyol despite suspension

Robert Lewandowski cleared to face Espanyol despite suspension
© Reuters
Barcelona will have leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday's Barcelona derby with Espanyol.

Barcelona will have leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday's clash with Espanyol.

The Poland international was expected to miss out for the Catalan outfit, having been handed a three-game suspension following his red card against Osasuna before the break for the World Cup.

Lewandowski was set to miss the La Liga matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, in addition to the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Betis.

However, Barcelona revealed in a statement on Friday that they had been successful in placing a temporary hold on his ban while the club continue to appeal the ruling.

The 34-year-old will still receive a three-game suspension unless the final decision goes in Barcelona's favour, but he will be available while the full process is undertaken.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on October 12, 2022© Reuters

"Robert Lewandowski will be allowed to play against Espanyol tomorrow after the Central Contentious Court of Madrid granted a preliminary injunction to the sanction imposed by the CAS," read a statement from Barcelona.

Barcelona boss Xavi was asked for his views on the situation during his press conference ahead of the league contest with Espanyol, which will represent the team's first game after the World Cup.

"We found out when the training session was over. We prepared for the game with the idea that we couldn't count on him," the head coach told reporters.

"It's not the best timing but we are very happy that he can play. He was also surprised by the timing.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 28, 2022© Reuters

"For me it is a disproportionate sanction. Now the referees' committee has two to three days. It would be good to know how the sanction will be, when we won't be able to count on him. It should have been known before.

"We have been training differently these weeks, thinking that we were not counting on him. The organisation has not been good. I don't know if we can count on him against Atletico."

Lewandowski has been in impressive form for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering four assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.

The Catalan outfit will have a full squad for Saturday's game, as Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie have all overcome the issues that kept them out before the World Cup.

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, two points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

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Matt Law
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Draw
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Espanyol
7.0%
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Raphinha in action for Barcelona on October 4, 2022
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Osasuna186752327-425
10Celta Vigo187382728-124
11Real BetisBetis176652021-124
12Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
13Sevilla186482027-722
14Rayo Vallecano175661920-121
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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