Celta Vigo recover key player from international commitments in time to face Barcelona

Celta Vigo take on Barcelona on Saturday evening, in what will be a massive test for Rafa Benitez’s side as they aim to move away from the La Liga relegation zone. Although Barcelona are in a very poor moment currently, the Galicians have lost their last three matches at home, so there’s no guarantee that they will be able to take advantage.

However, Benitez has been handed a boost ahead of welcoming the Catalan giants to Balaidos, as MD have reported that Jonathan Bamba will return to training with Celta on Friday ahead of the match. Bamba has been away with Ivory Coast for the last six weeks, and he helped them win their home Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Nigeria in the final last weekend.

Bamba has been a key player for Celta Vigo since signing last summer. However, he’s unlikely to start against Barcelona because of his lack of training ahead of the match, although he is expected to be on the substitutes’ bench.