FC Barcelona News: 25 February 2019

Arthur and Cillessen close to returning for Barcelona | Marca
Jasper Cillessen and Arthur are close to returning from injury for Barcelona. Both players are already in the final stretch of their rehabilitation process and competed in part of Monday’s training session with the group.

Messi leads the Golden Shoe rankings | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi has no limits. The Argentinian is capable of breaking records year after year and, in addition, being key for FC Barcelona. On Saturday, he decided the game against Sevilla with three goals and an assist that allowed Barça to win at the Sánchez-Pizjuán (2-4). With this hat-trick, the Barça captain now has 25 goals in the League, and he leads the rankings for the Golden Shoe with 50 points.

Jordi Alba renewal well on track but not yet finalised | Marca
Barcelona’s bid to extend the contract of defender Jordi Alba is now very much on the right track. Both parties are optimistic in relation to a positive outcome being reached soon. As MARCA revealed a week ago, both the club and the player are keen to reach an agreement to keep him at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona spokesman: VAR controversy? You can’t suspect the whole world | Marca
Speaking at the release of Barcelona’s mid-season report, club spokesman Josep Vives defended VAR and reiterated their belief in the technology. It hit the headlines for controversial reasons again on Sunday following Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Levante.

Atlètic Balears 1–0 Barça B: Stumble against the leader | FC Barcelona
Barça B were put under intense pressure by Atlètic Balears on Sunday, the Mallorcans 1-0 win placing them five points ahead of the Blaugrana in the League standings. The visitors improved in the second half, but it was not enough to score at Son Malferit. Marcos got the only goal of the game for the home side, meaning Barça B have now gone four games without winning.

Cristhian Stuani confirms Barcelona approach | Football Espana
Girona striker Cristhian Stuani has confessed Barcelona attempted to sign him in January before he signed a new contract at Montilivi. The experienced Uruguayan only joined the Catalan club in the summer of 2017 from Middlesbrough but has been a huge hit in Spain, netting 34 times in just 51 league starts.

Source: barcablaugranes.com