Barca could have several injured players back for Sevilla

Barcelona hopes to have several players back from injury for the difficult match at Sevilla as the defending champions battle to trim the 10-point gap to Spanish leader Real Madrid.

Eric Abidal (groin), Alexis Sanchez (right leg muscle) and Thiago Alcantara (right leg) could be fit to play on Saturday at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, where Barcelona hasn't lost in five years.

Lionel Messi has scored 16 goals in his past six games, only five away from matching Cesar Rodriguez's club record of 235.

Madrid hosts Malaga, an opponent it has beaten in the past five encounters.

There are 12 rounds left in the season.