The only addition that FC Barcelona made in the last winter transfer window was that of Vitor Roque. The Brazilian joined his new club and trained under Xavi in January, after having signed for the Catalan club in the last summer transfer window.
The young striker had a rather quiet start to life at his new club, which was particularly noticeable as Barcelona had publicized his addition with a lot of vigor, and it was thought that Roque’s arrival would help the club improve its effectiveness in front of goal.
After having been unable to get on the scoresheet in his first few appearances, the Brazilian opened his scoring account in the La Liga game against Osasuna. Roque then got on the scoresheet once again in the ensuing match against Deportivo Alaves, as he scored the final goal in the game that ended 3-1 in favor of Barcelona.
However, this last game also left a sour taste in his mouth, as he was shown two yellow cards by the referee, and the second one being more painful, not only because it led to his expulsion, but also because his actions did not even deserve a booking.
But the remonstrations of the Barcelona players were of no use, and Roque had to leave the pitch on the 72nd minute. After the match, Barcelona had decided to appeal against the second yellow card and get his suspension for the upcoming match against Granada overturned.
However, the journalist Adria Albets (h/t Barca Times) reports that the Competition Committee has rejected Barcelona’s appeal. As a result, Roque will miss the upcoming match against Granada.
With the presence of Lewandowski, and the return of Raphinha, Xavi will have enough options not to miss Roque too much in this game. However, this suspension comes at a poor time for the player as he was getting back to his scoring form that he showed in Brazil, and a break will do him no good at this point in time.
