Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso will return to the starting lineup when Barcelona and Bayern Munich face off at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barcelona will hope to keep the faint UEFA Champions League hopes alive when they welcome Bayern Munich to Camp Nou on Wednesday night. And Xavi Hernandez has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Sergi Roberto injured his shoulder against Athletic Club this past weekend. And the veteran utility man has joined Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Memphis Depay on the sidelines. Xavi spoke about Roberto during his pre-match press conference.
“Roberto’s injury is sensitive, he was in a good moment, and I am very confident in his abilities. In principle, Bellerin is ready for this position at right-back, but also have other options.” Barcelona will have a full-strength squad apart from the four absentees.
Hector Bellerin picks himself as the right-back in Roberto’s absence. Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia should continue pairing up at the heart of the Barcelona defence, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen picking himself between the sticks. As for the left-back slot, Marcos Alonso should get the nod. And Xavi acknowledged his decision to rotate the left-backs.
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“Everyone is ready to play in any game. Alonso is adapting very well, as a central defender. Alejandro is in great form, and I am happy with him. Also with Alba.”
Barcelona played with four midfielders against Athletic Club, and the decision seemed to be preparations for the Bayern Munich game. Xavi subtly suggested the four midfielders will continue against the Bundesliga champions on Wednesday.
“Playing with four midfielders gives us more security with the ball with fewer losses of possession. The other day, we understood it very well, we came out very well against Athletic’s high pressure. For tomorrow, we have also prepared to impose our style in the same way.”
So Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Sergio Busquets should feature for the Blaugrana this midweek. Gavi and Pedri will be the wide midfielders, with de Jong pairing up with Busquets in the middle of the park.
Finally, Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the Barcelona attack against former side Bayern Munich. And Ousmane Dembele will likely feature alongside Lewandowski, leaving Raphinha, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres as backup options.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Bellerin, Kounde, Eric Garcia, Alonso; Gavi, de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski
