Barcelona will be without Seydou Keita for their clash with Atletico Madrid this weekend after the midfielder had an appeal against the red card he was shown in last week's derby with Espanyol turned down.
It was reported yesterday that the Barcelona man already had his initial bid to play turned down by the Competition Committee, and today he had an appeal rejected by the Spanish Committee of Sports Discipline.
Marca reports that Barcelona decided to appeal as they felt the initial decision was harsh, but they have not managed to change the outcome.
The news will be a blow to Pep Guardiola, who will also be without the injured Andres Iniesta for the match against Atletico.
Last time Barcelona played at the Vicente Calderon in the Primera Division they were beaten 4-2, on their way to a third-place finish in the league.
On this occasion they could well be just four points ahead of Real Madrid by the time they play, as the defending champions play Espanyol on Saturday evening.
To add to the pressure, they have not won in their last two matches in the league, drawing with Real Betis and then losing to Espanyol.
It was reported yesterday that the Barcelona man already had his initial bid to play turned down by the Competition Committee, and today he had an appeal rejected by the Spanish Committee of Sports Discipline.
Marca reports that Barcelona decided to appeal as they felt the initial decision was harsh, but they have not managed to change the outcome.
The news will be a blow to Pep Guardiola, who will also be without the injured Andres Iniesta for the match against Atletico.
Last time Barcelona played at the Vicente Calderon in the Primera Division they were beaten 4-2, on their way to a third-place finish in the league.
On this occasion they could well be just four points ahead of Real Madrid by the time they play, as the defending champions play Espanyol on Saturday evening.
To add to the pressure, they have not won in their last two matches in the league, drawing with Real Betis and then losing to Espanyol.
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