Pedri will not be available to represent Barcelona against Almeria at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Almeria to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday evening. And Xavi Hernandez has new roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Pedri is the latest player in the treatment room, with the Spanish international sustaining a muscle injury in training. In addition, Frenkie de Jong is unavailable due to a suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the 2023/24 La Liga campaign this past weekend against Valencia.
The duo has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso, and Gavi on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Xavi commented on the possible replacements for de Jong during his pre-match press conference. He said, “Casado and Fermín can be alternatives to cover the absence of Frenkie.”
Meanwhile, Xavi also spoke about Oriol Romeu, who has struggled to deliver the goods since arriving on loan from Girona this past summer. He said, “Calm and tranquillity. Oriol is a very strong guy and he will get his chances again. He will help us.”
Romeu should return to the starting lineup in the absence of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. In addition, Fermin Lopez will get a chance to impress from the middle of the park. Romeu and Lopez will join Ilkay Gundogan in the midfield unit on Wednesday.
As for the attack, Robert Lewandowski’s recent form has been concerning. And Xavi discussed the Polish striker during his presser. He said, “Lewandowski is not an exception in the lack of effectiveness, but we all fail here.”
“We have nine points less than last season and I’m sure we’ve done things wrong. There is a lack of effectiveness and consistency. In the game, I think we’ve improved and we’ve dominated, but the lack of effectiveness in the penalty area is weighing us down.”
Lewandowski will spearhead the Barcelona attack against Almeria on Wednesday, with Joao Felix and Raphinha supporting him in the offensive unit. Finally, the defensive quartet should feature Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde, with Inaki Pena deputising for ter Stegen between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Fermin Lopez, Romeu, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
