Barcelona defenders Alba and Semedo ready for Sociedad and Madrid
Ernesto Valverde says the two full-backs have been training well all week
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is counting on defenders Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo for the upcoming games against Real Sociedad and Real Madrid.
Barca face La Real at Anoeta on Saturday and then host Madrid at Camp Nou in the Clasico on Wednesday.
Alba and Semedo both returned to training earlier this week and coach Ernesto Valverde expects them both to be available for the double-header.
"They have been training since, I think, the last league game," Valverde said. "For Tuesday's game [against Inter] they didn't have clearance, so they were not in the squad. I hope they get it and can play. They're looking good, training well."
Valverde also warned of the difficulties of this weekend's trip to Anoeta, a place where Barça have found it hard to get results in the past.
"Throughout the years, it's always been one of the most difficult trips for the team," Valverde added. "In recent years, we have won but before that, there was a long run with no wins there.
"Also, the fact that they're having a good season, fourth in the table, playing well, important players [makes it hard."
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