Barcelona defender suspended for Cadiz clash after yellow card vs Villarreal

Barcelona put in a strong performance in the first half against Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica today and took the lead on the night through Pedri’s goal early in the match.

While there were numerous positives for manager Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona were dealt with a blow as defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo picked up a yellow card in the 43rd minute of the match.

It was the Uruguayan defender’s fifth yellow card in La Liga this season, which means that the centre-back will be suspended for Barça’s next league outing against Cadiz due to an accumulation of cards.

The 23-year-old was one of three Barcelona stars at the risk of getting suspended for the next league encounter against Cadiz, with Gavi and Ferran Torres being the other two.

Araujo has been a rock at the back for the Blaugrana since returning from his injury post the FIFA World Cup break.

The former Boston River starlet has forged an extremely solid partnership with Andreas Christensen at the heart of the Barcelona defence.

But, Xavi will now have to make do without his ace centre-half versus Cadiz next week. However, given the availability and form of Jules Kounde, the Barcelona manager is unlikely to be worried a great deal against a team that is just above the relegation zone.