Barcelona v Espanyol: Arda and Vidal set for long-awaited debuts

However, they had signed Turan and Vidal in the summer transfer windows, which meant that the two players would not be eligible to play for them till the ban was over.

European champions Barcelona are now free to register summer signings Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan to their playing squad after their year long transfer ban expired on Monday, reported ESPN.

And the Camp Nou outfit have revealed the winger will take on the shirt vacated by Pedro after his move to Chelsea while fellow new signing Aleix Vidal will wear No.22.

“I am happy that they are nearly ready to make their debut”, the Barca boss said last week.

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid face city rivals Rayo Vallecano, while third-tier Cadiz play Celta Vigo having been given a bye after Real Madrid were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player inn their last-32, first-leg clash.

With the prolific form of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in Barca’s so-called trident attack, Turkey playmaker Turan is more likely to be used in a deeper role while Spaniard Vidal is an option for either a midfield spot or at right back.

Previously, Barcelona had tried to register Turan on an event of a long-term injury to Rafinha before the ban was lifted but the effort failed.

Goals remain a concern for Galca’s side – it has only scored twice in its last five away games in all competitions, and no current Espanyol player has found the net for the club against Barcelona.