Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets.

After their midweek cup exertions, Barcelona return to La Liga action with a testing trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night. Real Madrid’s win in Saturday’s Madrid derby gives Ernesto Valverde’s team the chance to move eight points clear at the top, but it will not be easy against a home team which has restored confidence following a slow start to the season. Let’s look forward to the game with three key storylines to follow – including a fresh injury problem for the league leaders.

Real Madrid kept up their impressive form under head coach Santiago Solari as goals from Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and substitute Gareth Bale earned a 3-1 derby win at 10-man Atletico, usurping their city rivals into second place in La Liga.

Ferland Mendy, Filipe Luis, and Junior Firpo have been identified as left-back options. Barcelona are reportedly looking at three options as back-ups for Jordi Alba at left-back, a position where a lack of depth has become a concern for the club. Lucas Digne and Marc Cucurella left in last summer’s transfer window, leaving La Blaugrana thin at the position.