Barcelona have a good recent record against Osasuna and have won 26 out of the last 38 matches

Barcelona return to La Liga action earlier than expected on Thursday evening when they host Osasuna in their game in hand.

The initial fixture was postponed due to the death of Barcelona’s club doctor and despite appeals from both clubs given the quick turnaround following the international break, the duel will go ahead on Thursday.

For Barcelona, it could prove a decisive few days. Their fatigued internationals will have to take to the field against Osasuna and then turn out against Girona on Sunday. They will be aiming to continue their hunt for La Liga glory, currently top of the standings on goal difference after their significant 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid before the international hiatus.

Osasuna will be fearing the worst on their visit to Catalonia given their current form, without victory in their last six following three defeats and three draws. Their most recent loss at home to Getafe has left them 14th and just six points above the relegation zone.

Barcelona are without the injured quartet of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen, with Pau Cubarsi also adding his name to the list of absentees during the international break.

The young centre-back sprained his ankle during Spain’s Nations League quarter-final first leg with the Netherlands and missed the return fixture, but he is back in the squad alongside the returning Inigo Martinez, who withdrew from the squad through injury.

Raphinha misses out after returning late from international duty, but there is a surprise spot in the squad for Ronald Araujo, who did not play for Uruguay on Tuesday evening and has been thrust back into the squad here.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Lopez; Lewandowski.

Osasuna are guaranteed to be without Lucas Torro in the engine room due to suspension, with the 30-year-old accumulating his tenth yellow card in La Liga last time out.

Cameroon international Enzo Boyomo was an unused substitute in the 3-1 victory over Libya on Tuesday but remains a doubt for Thursday following a lengthy trip back to Spain.

Bryan Zaragoza, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, could miss out with a hamstring injury, while centre-back Unai Garcia is also a doubt.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3): Herrera; Areso, Catena, Herrando, Cruz; Moncayola, Ibanez, Oroz; Ru. Garcia, Budimir, Pena.