Andreas Christensen will replace Ronald Araujo, while Sergio Busquets is in the Barcelona squad for the game against Cadiz on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to restore the eight-point lead over Real Madrid when they welcome Cadiz to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night. And Xavi Hernandez has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Sergio Busquets is back with the squad after recovering from an ankle injury. But Pedri will not feature against Cadiz on Sunday after picking up a hamstring injury against Manchester United this week.
The Spanish international has joined Ousmane Dembele on the sidelines, with the Frenchman also recovering from a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo will be unavailable as he serves his suspension on Sunday. And the three players were some of the hot topics during Xavi’s pre-match press conference.
Xavi said, “Pedri is an important player for the team and the way we play. He is important to the team’s strategy. We will try to give rest of the players more opportunities and confidence. Everyone has to be ready.”
Barcelona vs Cadiz Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“It’s very early to tell [how long Dembele will be unavailable]. He’ll listen to his body and what it says, I don’t know. It will depend on his feelings above all. Araujo is suspended. Today, he trained alone.”
Andreas Christensen should replace the suspended Araujo, with Eric Garcia likely being his central defensive partner. Jules Kounde should be the right-back, with Alejandro Balde replacing Jordi Alba on the left flank. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Gavi will miss the second leg against Manchester United due to a suspension. So he picks himself in the starting lineup. But the young Spaniard will likely reprise the advanced midfield role again as an auxiliary left-winger.
Sergi Roberto should replace the injured Pedri, with Franck Kessie continuing in the midfield unit. And Frenkie de Jong should sit at the base of the midfield trifecta, meaning Xavi will preserve Busquets until the upcoming midweek fixture. Finally, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski should complete the offensive unit.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, Eric Garcia, Balde; Roberto, de Jong, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
