Ousmane Dembele will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona will look to continue the recent winning run when they welcome Real Sociedad to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday evening. And Xavi Hernandez will be bereft of the services of three first-team players ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ronald Araujo and Pedri are missing from the squad for Saturday’s game. While Araujo is recovering from a calf issue, Pedri is unavailable due to a thigh injury. Otherwise, Xavi has all his resources at his disposal this weekend. In addition, Gavi will not feature in the match as he will serve a suspension this weekend.
Meanwhile, Xavi did not discuss any team news updates during his pre-match press conference, meaning the duo might have picked up their injuries during training on Friday. But the Barcelona boss discussed his thoughts on his team’s output this season.
He said, “At the moment, I wouldn’t change the season we had for any other… We have to remember where we come from. We’ve had a great season, there’s no need to compare with other clubs. Our standards are from the inside, with the efforts of the board. It is the merit of everyone and I feel very proud.”
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Pedri and Araujo’s absence means Xavi will make two forced changes to the starting lineup on Saturday. Eric Garcia should make a rare start this weekend, replacing Araujo at the heart of the defence. The Spanish international will join Andreas Christensen in the central defensive pairing.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are automatic picks as the two full-backs. And Marc-Andre ter Stegen, fresh off appearing in the Team of the Season in La Liga this season, will feature between the sticks on Saturday.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri’s absence means Franck Kessie will return to the starting lineup. The Ivory Coast international will join Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park, especially with Gavi also missing.
Finally, the offensive unit should see a few changes, with Robert Lewandowski being the only player to retain his spot. And Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres should accompany the Polish striker in the final third. So Ansu Fati and Raphinha will be backup options on the bench on Saturday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, Garcia, Balde’ de Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Dembele, Lewandowski, Torres
