BARCELONA midfielder Arthur Melo will not play in tomorrow’s rescheduled El Clasico, after being ruled out with a groin injury.
Bosses at the club are fuming after the 23-year-old was seen snowboarding at the beginning of December.
Arthur has been ruled out of El Clasico just weeks after he went snowboarding in AndorraCredit: Getty – Contributor
It is reported that despite missing Barcelona’s previous three games through injury, he has been snowboarding in Andorra.
The midfielder arrived back from Brazil international duty with discomfort in his groin, and has not started since Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on December 1.
He is not expected to return to the side until the New Year.
Arthur had been in good form this campaign, scoring twice and making three assists in nine appearances.
There have been fears that El Clasico may not go ahead again due to fear of political protests.
The game had previously been scheduled for October 26 but had to be cancelled due to violent clashes in the region.
Catalan protest group Democratic Tsunami plan to rally around the Nou Camp before the game, as they believe that Catalonia should be independent from Spain.
Demonstrators have threatened to form a 20,000-person picket line around the stadium before kick-off.
There are also fears about the Real Madrid squad being blocked from entering the stadium, as well as numerous protesters entering the field while the match is being played.
It’s not the first time Arthur has been in trouble with Barca boss Ernesto Valverde.
The midfielder jetted to Paris last season to party with fellow Brazilian Neymar, just 48 hours before facing arch rivals Real Madrid.
El Clasico may have to be cancelled for a second time this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
Barcelona manager Ernesto ValverdeCredit: Reuters
He publicly apologised but was reportedly disciplined internally by Barcelona technical staff.
Bitter rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid are locked at the top of La Liga on 35 points, with the showdown at Camp Nou having big implications on this season’s title race.
Barca are looking to win the title for the third successive season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
