Ilkay Gundogan and Lamine Yamal will return when Barcelona and Royal Antwerp clash in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Barcelona will look to start ending the recent hoodoo in the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Royal Antwerp to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night. And Xavi Hernandez has a near-full-strength squad at his disposal this midweek.
Ronald Araujo and Pedri remain on the sidelines, although the former is closing in on his return. But the duo remains out of the matchday squad to take on Royal Antwerp. Otherwise, Xavi has all his resources available to him this midweek.
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Xavi spoke about the progress Araujo has been making during his pre-match press conference. The Barcelona boss revealed that the Urugayan international should be available to take on Celta Vigo this weekend.
The former Spanish international also provided an update on Pedri, exercising caution over his return. He said, “He should be ready for Celta on Saturday. We could have forced things for Antwerp but I’d prefer to exercise caution. As for Pedri, he’s doing well but he still needs a bit more time.”
With Araujo still on the sidelines, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde will continue as the first-choice centre-backs. The duo should join Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde in the backline. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Ilkay Gundogan should return after recovering from a knock he sustained during the international break while representing Germany. The former Manchester City captain should replace Oriol Romeu, joining Gavi and Frenkie de Jong in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres made a case for himself after continuing his fine form against Real Betis. But Lamine Yamal will likely pip him to the starting spot on the right flank. Joao Felix will also retain his spot, with Robert Lewandowski spearheading the attack against Royal Antwerp. So, Torres will find himself on the bench at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
