Barcelona head coach Xavi has a few squad issues to contend with when his side return to domestic action at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.
While Pedri is available and Frenkie de Jong is close to a comeback from injury, the Blaugrana lost Gavi to an anterior cruciate ligament blow and are now without one of their key midfield options for the rest of the season.
Barca also have concerns between the sticks after Marc-Andre ter Stegen withdrew from Germany duty.
Here’s the team Xavi may pick to beat a Rayo side with a strong recent record against Barca.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – A back injury means there are fears Ter Stegen may not be fit in time. If that’s the case, back-up option Inaki Pena will be expected to fill the rather large void.
RB: Joao Cancelo – Back in Barcelona training after missing Tuesday’s session with a fever. Scored in Portugal’s 2-0 win over Liechtenstein.
CB: Jules Kounde – Looked somewhat ropy in the 2-1 win over Alaves when Samu Omorodion took him to task but might enjoy a less physical affair against Vallecano.
CB: Ronald Araujo – Is becoming a stalwart with Uruguay at international level, scoring as his side handed Argentina their first loss since defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup earlier in the November international break.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Had Hristo Stoichkov had his way, either Balde or Jamal Musiala would have won the 2023 Golden Boy award ahead of Jude Bellingham.
CM: Fermin Lopez – Has benefitted from a few injuries to key Barca midfielders to earn his first minutes for the club at senior level, scoring twice so far this season.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan’s goal threat has been significantly reduced compared to his final few years at Manchester City, netting just once for Barca so far.
CM: Pedri – Gavi’s long-term absence should see Barca take more care over fellow midfield sensation Pedri, but the injury-prone Spain international is likely to continue being pushed to his fitness limits.
RW: Lamine Yamal – Another young star Barca must be careful not to overwork, Yamal now has the odd quirk of scoring more goals for Spain than his club side so far this season.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Is back among the goals after striking twice against Alaves and once for Poland in a win over Latvia. His country will have to be successful in the play-offs next March to reach Euro 2024.
LW: Joao Felix – The Portugal international is currently enduring a run of eight games without a goal contribution for club and country.
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