Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 7y

Barcelona's Gerard Pique to miss crucial Eibar clash after stomach virus

Gerard Pique has been ruled out of Barcelona's final game of the La Liga season against Eibar on Sunday, the club have said.

Speaking at his prematch news conference, coach Luis Enrique had said he expected to have the centre-back available for selection after he completed training with his teammates on Friday and Saturday.

However, the club said on Sunday that Pique, who was taken to hospital with a stomach virus last weekend and missed the win over Las Palmas, remains unavailable.

"First-team player Gerard Pique continues with his process of recovery and re-adapting to training after stomach pains have affected him during the last 10 days," a statement said.

"He will miss the game against Eibar and the recovery process will determine when he returns."

Pique is expected to be able to return for next Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Alaves at the Vicente Calderon.

Barca are also without defenders Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu, both of whom are injured, and have called up Barca B players Marlon Santos and Borja Lopez.

Marlon has trained regularly with the first team this season and made his La Liga debut at Las Palmas.

He is expected to partner Samuel Umtiti in defence, with Jordi Alba at left-back and Sergi Roberto, returning from suspension, at right-back.

Barca must beat Eibar at the Camp Nou and hope Real Madrid lose to Malaga in order to win the title for a third consecutive season under Luis Enrique.

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