Robert Lewandowski and Gavi will return, but Ronald Araujo will not be available for Barcelona for the tie with Athletic Club on Sunday.
Barcelona will look to restore the nine-point lead atop the table when they lock horns with Athletic Club at San Mames 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.
Robert Lewandowski and Gavi are available after missing the game against Valencia last weekend. Lewandowski has recovered from a hamstring injury, while Gavi was served his suspension. But Pedri and Ousmane Dembele remain on the sidelines.
Both players are recovering from hamstring injuries, although Dembele might soon return to action. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo is unavailable after seeing red against Valencia and is not in the travelling squad.
Xavi spoke about Araujo’s absence during his pre-match press conference. He also commented on having Lewandowski back at his disposal after the Polish striker’s short spell on the sidelines.
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He said, “It’s a very important loss. Even more so on these grounds, with so much intensity, high pressure, crosses down the flank. We will miss him, but we have enough alternatives so that it won’t be noticed.”
“He [Lewandowski] is doing very well. He has been training with the group since Thursday. He is feeling very well. He is an example of involvement and commitment. He always wants to play. He is differential and has changed the mentality of the team. It has been very good for us that he came. He is a vital addition. And even more so in matches like this, when they will press us up top. It is essential to have Robert and he is doing well.”
Lewandowski should return to the starting lineup straightaway, spearheading the attack for the hosts. Ansu Fati and Raphinha should accompany the veteran striker in the final third. So Ferran Torres will be an option on the bench for Xavi.
As for the midfield unit, Gavi picks himself after returning to the squad. The teenage sensation will join Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park. So Sergi Roberto will drop to the bench, where he will be alongside Franck Kessie.
The defensive unit will also see one change due to Araujo’s suspension. Eric Garcia should replace Araujo, joining Andreas Christensen in the central defensive partnership. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde should continue as the full-backs. And finally, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Garcia, Christensen, Balde; de Jong, Busquets, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati
