Barcelona Defender Gerard Pique Suspended For Second Leg Of Arsenal Champions League Tie

Gerard Pique will miss Barcelona's second leg meeting with Arsenal in the Champions League through suspension.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique will be suspended for the second leg of their Champions League clash with Arsenal after collecting a booking during last night’s match at the Emirates.

The Spanish international stopper was cautioned for a foul just prior to the hour mark, pushing him over the tournament threshold, and he will serve a one-match ban

The former Manchester United man also missed the second leg of the corresponding tie last season, after collecting a booking, while compatriot Carles Puyol picked up a red card and also missed the return.

Indeed, Puyol was absent from last night’s 2-1 defeat through a continuing tendonitis problem, and his presence in the second leg is also in jeopardy, with Blaugrana doctors unsure as to when he will be available again.

Goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin proved enough to edge the Gunners to a first leg advantage, with the return at the Camp Nou taking place on March 8.