Ernesto Valverde could be without several key players when Barcelona visit the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to face Sevilla on Saturday.
Barcelona will be looking to continue their march towards the La Liga title when they travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to take on Sevilla on Saturday. But, Ernesto Valverde is sweating over the fitness of several key first-team players who are recovering from minor injuries.
Lionel Messi (hamstring), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee) and Gerard Pique (knee) have all been included in the matchday squad, but are doubtful due to the injuries that they sustained during or before the international break.
The Barcelona boss even shed light on Messi’s fitness during his pre-match press conference, iterating he will take a late call on his involvement. He said, “He [Messi] has a slight injury but we don’t want it to become more serious. After training we will make a decision.”
With the crucial Champions League tie against AS Roma to follow in a couple of days, Valverde could choose to rest the trio, considering he has ample quality cover in his squad for them. There are some positives post the international break though, with Nelson Semedo (hamstring) and Denis Suarez (groin) fit and available after missing more than a month of action.
But, it is likely that the duo will be eased into action instead of starting right away, meaning Sergi Roberto should start as the right-back, with Andre Gomes possibly taking his place in midfield. At the back, Roberto should have Thomas Vermaelen, Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alba for company, with Jasper Cillessen starting between the sticks.
In midfield, Ivan Rakitic could find himself on the bench after making the long trip back from USA, meaning Andre Gomes should have Paulinho as his midfield partner. The wide areas are likely to be manned by the in-form duo of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho. Meanwhile, Valverde gave an update on Sergio Busquets, who is nearing his return to fitness.
“The idea is that this week he [Busquets] will train with the rest of the squad and that we can have him back in the next few days.”
Upfront, Paco Alcacer is likely to retain his place, with Messi starting the match on the bench, at best. Luis Suarez should be Alcacer’s strike partner, having served his one-match ban in the game against Athletic Bilbao prior to the international break.
