Iñigo Martinez returns after 27 days
The Basque central defender comes on in the second half for the first time since his injury against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey
Aside from the three points from the 3-1 win at Alavés, another positive for Barça was the return to action of Iñigo Martinez after almost a month out with a hamstring injury. The Basque defender was injured in the Copa del Rey game at Barbastro, precisely the day he was returning from a previous injury. Before appearing against Alavés, the centre back had not featured in La Liga since 25 November.
In Mendizorroza, Martinez came in the 82nd minute of the contest to replace Pau Cubarsí. With the blaugranes down to 10 men, the Basque player partnered Araujo in the centre of defence and looked comfortable on his return to action.