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Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde explained why Sergio Busquets missed El Clasico on Wednesday despite originally being named in the starting XI.
The 31-year-old’s name was on the original teamsheet for the clash but was then replaced by Ivan Rakitic and there was some confusion as to why he missed out.
⚠️ There has been a change to the starting 11 for #ElClásico. pic.twitter.com/AdpM0aKTtx
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 18, 2019
Reports before kick-off claimed he was ill, but Valverde’s assistant Jon Aspiazu said before the match it was a “technical decision.”
Valverde was asked about Busi after the 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou and made it clear the midfielder was not 100 per cent.
Valverde on TV: "It is true that Busquets was feeling bad, had a fever, before the game. We thought we could have used him in second half, but not in the end. The coach makes the decision based on what you see."
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) December 18, 2019
Rakitic started the game alongside Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Valverde did make changes in the second half in midfield, bringing on Arturo Vidal for Nelson Semedo with Roberto dropping back to right-back.