Ansu Fati and Gavi will return when Barcelona and Osasuna face off in their La Liga games before the 2022 FIFA World Cup at El Sadar on Tuesday night.
Barcelona will look to stretch the lead at the summit of La Liga when they lock horns with Osasuna at El Sadar on Tuesday night. And Xavi Hernandez has a largely unchanged squad at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Sergi Roberto (shoulder), Jules Kounde (hamstring), Ronald Araujo (hip), Franck Kessie (hamstring), and Memphis Depay (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. Interestingly, Gerard Pique is in the travelling squad following his Camp Nou swansong against Almeria this past weekend.
Pique might not feature against Osasuna after his emotional farewell. So Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia should pair up at the heart of the Barcelona defence. Jordi Alba should continue in the left-back slot after a few convincing performances. And Hector Bellerin should return on the right flank, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen picking himself between the sticks.
During his pre-match press conference, Xavi Hernandez spoke about Kounde, Araujo, and Depay. And the Barcelona manager allayed fears that the trio might miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to their injuries.
Xavi said, “We are in contact with Uruguay about Araujo and we will decide together. The most important thing is that the player is at 100% and that he recovers well. Memphis and Kounde have discomfort, still. But their World Cup is not in danger.”
As for the midfield unit, Gavi should come in for Sergio Busquets, who gets extended rest leading up to the World Cup. So Frenkie de Jong should move into the holding midfield berth, with Pedri completing the midfield unit. Meanwhile, Xavi praised one of his regular attackers, Ousmane Dembele.
Xavi said, “Dembele is making the difference in many games. His numbers have improved a lot since we have been here. He’s grown, but lacks consistency. He has to improve on that because with his qualities and talent, he can be the best in his position.”
Dembele picks himself on the right flank, meaning Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha will compete for the other wide-attacking slot. Fati should earn a spot in the starting lineup, with Torres dropping to the bench. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the Barcelona attack against Osasuna.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Bellerin, Christensen, Eric Garcia, Alba; Gavi, de Jong, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati
