FC Barcelona make the trip to Belarus to take on BATE Borisov in a must-win UEFA Champions League tie. The Blaugrana are boosted by the return of defender Thomas Vermaelen in the squad.
The Catalans endured a difficult time with injuries and suspension early in the season. And while Luis Enrique still does not have the full squad to chose from, the Catalans welcome back Thomas Vermaelen in the 20-man traveling squad to Belarus to take on BATE.
Barcelona are still without star forward Lionel Messi and midfielder Andres Iniesta, with Rafina Alacantra also out with a long-term injury.
Barca B defensive midfielder Gerard Gambau is the only reserve team player to make the Champions League squad for three match-days in a row, and may get his chance with little or no option to rotate in the midfield for Luis Enrique.
Luis Suarez, Neymar and Sandro are likely to start up front in the absence of the talismanic Argentinian.
The midfield will consist of Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets.
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German Marc Andre Ter-Stagen is expected to return in the goal, with Dani Alves and Jordi Alba likely to be deployed in the wing-back positions, although the chances of Vermaelen or Matieu playing in the fullback positions, or in fact in the central defensive positions, cannot be ruled out.
Barcelona have to win the game, having narrowly beaten Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at home, while only managing a draw against AS Roma in Rome on the opening group stage game of their Champions League group.
The Belarus side will have nothing to lose as they get the opportunity to play host to some of the biggest names in world football.
The 20-man FC Barcelona squad that has traveled to Belarus is as follows:
Ter Stegen, Bravo, Masip, Vermaelen, Dani Alves, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Douglas, Mascherano, Piqu , Mathieu, Bartra, Sergi Roberto, Sergio, Rakitic, Gumbau, Munir, Sandro, SuA?rez, Neymar Jr.
