Up to ten Barça players could be playing for their international teams this evening in the second World Cup qualifier in five days, with the Spanish team facing a key game in Paris to decide top spot in their group and Argentina out to confirm their ascendency in the South American qualifiers when they visit La Paz to face Bolivia.
Alba out and Xavi a doubt
With another trip to Paris to face PSG in the Champions League next week, the eight Barça players in the Spain squad face the first of two big games in the French capital this evening. Del Bosque will be without the injured Jordi Alba and the suspended David Silva for what has become a must win game after the slip up against Finland(1-1). Xavi is fighting to be fit for the game with a hamstring and Pedro may well start for the Spanish side.
Comptes pendents a Bolívia
Messi and Mascherano, who both figured in the 3-0 win over Venezuela on Friday, will face Bolivia in La Paz - at 3,650 metres above sea level . The last time Argentina played in the Bolivian capital under Diego Maradona four years ago they were thrashed 6-1 and in the last two games between the two played in Argentina itself , the Bolivians have earned 1-1 draws. This time around, Messi’s side can at least go into the game with a clear cushion of points – leading the South American group with 23 points.
Alexis Sánchez will miss Chile’s game against Uruguay in Santiago de Chile after picking up a yellow card late on in the 1-0 win over Periu last week, which means he is suspended for the match.
