Barcelona predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Barcelona will hope to finally take part in their first pre-season friendly of the summer against Arsenal in Los Angeles.

Barca were forced to cancel their scheduled clash with Juventus in San Francisco due to an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis in their playing squad.

Manager Xavi will hope those affected are fit in time to face the Gunners, who have faced the MLS-All Stars and Manchester United in the United States in recent weeks.

Here’s the team Barca could deploy at the SoFi Stadium.

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – German stopper Ter Stegen didn’t let much past him last season. We’ll have to see how much of the bug he has caught over the past week.

RB: Ronald Araujo – Alejandro Balde has an ankle injury and Jules Kounde is also a doubt, so Uruguay international could shuffle out wide.

CB: Eric Garcia – Hasn’t kicked on since swapping the Etihad for Camp Nou and has been linked with Marseille in recent days.

CB: Inigo Martinez – A free signing from Athletic Club who recently said he will “give everything for Barca”.

LB: Marcos Alonso – Filled in where necessary last season and looks set for a similar role this time around.

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CM: Sergi Roberto – Another utility option, albeit since making his first team debut in 2010. Such loyalty has been rewarded with the club captaincy.

CM: Oriol Romeu – Returns to Barcelona 12 years after leaving with notable spells with Chelsea, Southampton and Girona.

CM: Pedri – Has had to give up his favoured croquetas as part of a pre-season fitness drive.

RW: Raphinha – Recently celebrated his one year anniversary since joining Barcelona. Linked with an exit but continuously asserts his desire to stay at Camp Nou.

ST: Robert Lewandowski – Scored 32 goals in his debut year with Barca and isn’t interested in joining the ageing stars departing for the Saudi Pro League.

LW: Gavi – The young Spaniard’s versatility will come in handy in 2023/24 with increased midfield competition arriving in treble winner Ilkay Gundogan.