By Guardian Nigeria 02 January 2022 | 8:03 am Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez on Saturday called for this weekend’s “decaffeinated” trip to Mallorca to be postponed [FILES] Xavi Hernandez . Photo/AFP Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez on Saturday called for this weekend’s “decaffeinated” trip to Mallorca to be postponed due to a lack of fit squad members. Xavi said he will be without at least 17 players for Sunday’s La Liga game, with France defender Samuel Umtiti waiting to get the all-clear to play after recovering from Covid-19. The likes of Daniel Alves, Philippe Coutinho and Jordi Alba are also among a total of 11 Barcelona players who have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent days. “If the game’s not postponed, it’s ridiculous,” Xavi told reporters. “It is a decaffeinated game, for the show, for the fans “We are in a limited situation because we have had 17 casualties, between 17 and 18, because today Samuel Umtiti has recovered, but it is the only one of the 11 cases that we had. “We also have two suspended, six injured (players),” he added. Latest 6 mins ago The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has died. He was aged 93. Oba Adetunji died at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, both Tribune Online and the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State reported on Sunday. An official announcement of his death is expected to be made by Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde. Oba… 6 mins ago Nigerian cinema has constantly been on a pedestal of progress in recent years. From blockbuster remakes, to ‘big budget’ international collaborations with the streaming giants, and even multimillion naira box office sales, it has been one rollercoaster ride of achievements in the Nigerian film industry. Let’s take a look at some of the iconic moments… 20 mins ago Looking back at the year in review, it’s safe to say that 2021 has been full of mixed feelings and uncertainty, especially for Nigerians who dealt with a financial crisis and fluctuating forex rates that led to the arrest of an ‘Aboki’ in London. However, amid all the instability, one thing has been consistent: music.… 38 mins ago Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said Sunday there was still “quite a bit to play out” on whether Novak Djokovic will defend his title in Melbourne, 43 mins ago France announced an easing of Covid restrictions from Monday and Britain’s health minister said curbs were an “absolute last resort”, as governments face tough
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