Robert Lewandowski will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday.
Barcelona will hope to reach the Spanish Super Cup final and set up the latest El Clasico of the 2023/24 season when they lock horns with Osasuna at the Al-Awwal Stadium on Thursday. And Xavi Hernandez might greet the return of two players in the semi-final.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, and Gavi remain on the sidelines due to their respective issues. In addition, Inigo Martinez has picked up a new injury that will render him unavailable for the foreseeable future. But there is some good news, as Joao Cancelo and Pedri have travelled to Saudi Arabia and are in the Spanish Super Cup squad.
Xavi discussed the duo during his pre-match press conference, suggesting Pedri might be available. The Barcelona boss said, “Pedri could play against Osasuna, we will see. As far as Joao Cancelo is concerned, it looks a bit complicated.”
Despite Xavi’s comments, Pedri will unlikely be fit enough to feature in the starting lineup on Thursday against Osasuna. Instead, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergi Roberto will return to line up alongside Frenkie de Jong in the middle of the park. Oriol Romeu and Fermin Lopez will be backup options on the bench.
As for the offensive department, Joao Felix’s recent downturn in form means he might drop to the bench. Ferran Torres has stepped up his performance levels and should take the left-wing berth, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line for Barcelona against Osasuna. Raphinha will complete the attack, with Felix and Lamine Yamal being backup options on the bench.
The defensive unit should see one change, with Alejandro Balde returning as the left-back. But with Cancelo still not fit enough to return to the starting lineup, Jules Kounde will feature on the right flank. So, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will form the central defensive pairing. Finally, Inaki Pena will continue to deputise for Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Roberto, De Jong, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres
