MADRID, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick faces a deepening injury crisis ahead of his side's La Liga visit to newly promoted Oviedo on Thursday night.
Barcelona travels to Oviedo after confirming that Spain international midfielder Gavi needs another operation on his right knee that will keep him out for four to five months. Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez has suffered a groin injury that will sideline him until after the next international break.
Lamine Yamal likely will miss his third consecutive game as he continues recovering from pubalgia that caused him to miss matches against Valencia, Newcastle United and Getafe.
Yamal is expected to return against Real Sociedad this weekend, but concern remains that pubalgia - also known as a sports hernia - doesn't always respond to conservative treatment. His playing style, with constant twists and turns, could cause it to flare up again.
Barcelona also received news Tuesday that the local government has again refused to grant a license for the club to use Camp Nou, meaning the team will have to play this weekend's game against Real Sociedad at Montjuic.
Dani Olmo appears likely to start against Oviedo, while Marc Casado also could play. They will face a opponent that has struggled to adapt since winning promotion, with one win and four defeats this season.
Elche has adapted much better to life in the top flight, with Eder Sarabia's side currently unbeaten with two wins and three draws.
Sarabia's team travels to play Osasuna on Thursday in what looks like a battle of in-form strikers, as Osasuna's Ante Budimir faces Elche's powerful duo of Rafa Mir and Andre Silva. ■
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