Jules Kounde and Joao Felix will return, but Gavi misses out through suspension for the game between Barcelona and Alaves on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Deportivo Alaves to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon. And Xavi Hernandez has a new roster issue to deal with ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gavi is serving a suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards. The young Spanish international has joined Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong on the sidelines, with the trio missing out on a place in the matchday squad.
Xavi discussed de Jong and Pedri’s fitness updates during his pre-match press conference. He also spoke about Robert Lewandowski’s situation after the veteran striker recently recovered from his fitness issues.
He said, “Frenkie will be against Rayo and Pedri is 100%. Lewandowski is at 100%, he accuses this lack of positional play. We have not attacked well nor have we nurtured Robert in the way we always do. I insist that it is a lack of positional play.”
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While Xavi has suggested that Pedri is fully fit and available, he will likely continue easing the young midfielder into the thick of the action. So, with Gavi unavailable, Fermin Lopez will get a chance to impress this weekend.
Lopez will join Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan in the middle of the park, with Pedri coming off the bench to continue regaining match fitness and sharpness after his recent stint on the sidelines.
As for the offensive unit, Joao Felix will earn a recall from Xavi Hernandez, replacing Ferran Torres in the final third. Felix will accompany Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in the attacking department. So, Lamine Yamal and Torres will be options on the bench. Meanwhile, Xavi discussed Yamal during his presser.
The Barcelona manager’s comments suggested Yamal would get minutes off the bench, although he heaped praise on the youngster. He said, “It will be important whatever he plays. Despite his young age, he can make a difference, we will use him for sure.”
Finally, the defensive unit should see a few changes, including Jules Kounde replacing Andreas Christensen as Ronald Araujo’s central defensive partner. Alejandro Balde will return on the left flank, with Joao Cancelo being the right-back. The quartet will protect Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Fermin; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
