Arda Turan expected to replace Barcelona star in Copa del Rey final following suspension
Barcelona held Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw in the Copa del Rey semi-final to eliminate the Madrid giants from the cup 3-2 on aggregate but Luis Suarez ended up being sent off and will miss the final – which means Arda Turan is almost certain to replace him.
Luis Suarez scored Barcelona’s only goal of the game but he ended up seeing red in the final minutes of the game for a second bookable offence after a challenge on Koke.
Suarez took his overall goal tally to 23 following the semi-final clash and has 10 assists in all competitions this season.
Turan replaced Neymar on the wing, filling in for the Brazilian international who was suspended.
See More: Everything you ever wanted to know about Arda Turan
The 30-year-old did not add to his goal or assist tally against his former club but he has been in impressive form this season.
Turan has 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Barca – his most productive season since moving to Spain from Galatasaray.
The Turkish international is expected to fill in for Luis Suarez in the final alongside Messi and Neymar.
Turan has already lifted the Copa del Rey title with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The experienced attacking midfielder is the most successful Turkish international in history – as far as silverware is concerned.
The Barca star has won every domestic Spanish title, the Europa League, European Super Cup but has yet to win the Champions League.
Barcelona are the reigning Copa del Rey champions and will play either Celta Vigo or Alaves in the final.
Celta Vigo host Alaves in the second semi-final clash on Wednesday 8 February.