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La Liga leaders Barcelona will have Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday’s clash with local rivals RCD Espanyol after his three match suspension was at least temporarily lifted. The Poland international saw red against Osasuna before the FIFA World Cup break and was due to miss this one but Barca’s appeal means that Xavi can now count on the hitman.
“Robert Lewandowski can play in the derby after all!” read Barcelona’s statement. “The dispute settlement court in Madrid issued a precautionary measure against the suspension imposed by the court of arbitration for sport, meaning the Polish international will be able to line up against Espanyol in the 2pm CET kick-off at Spotify Camp Nou. He was shown a red card in the last game before the World Cup break, away to Osasuna. After getting booked twice in the first half, his side was left with ten men but still managed to win the game 2-1. He was issued a three-match ban afterwards, a decision that club appealed.”
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Saturday, Dec. 31 Time: 8:00 a.m. ETLocation: Spotify Camp Nou — Barcelona, Catalonia,SpainTV: ESPN