Pedri will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
Barcelona will look to win the first trophy of the 2023/24 season when they lock horns with Real Madrid at Al-Awwal Stadium on Sunday evening. And Xavi Hernandez has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of the finale.
Raphinha picked up a thigh injury in the semi-final against Osasuna earlier this week and will be out for the foreseeable future. The Brazilian international has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, Inigo Martinez, and Gavi on the sidelines.
In addition, Joao Cancelo will not be fit enough to take the field against Real Madrid on Sunday. Meanwhile, Pedri might be fit enough to return to the starting lineup this weekend. And Xavi discussed the Spanish international and Raphinha’s situation during his pre-match press conference.
He said, “It doesn’t depend on Pedri. He is one hundred per cent there and I have a very clear idea. Having the ball, dominating, regardless of whether we play with three, four, five, or six midfielders doesn’t change our DNA, which Cruyff instilled 30 years ago. Yes, I hope Raphinha makes it to the Champions League game. But yes, I have a clear idea and the name of the players against Madrid.”
Pedri should return to the starting lineup despite Xavi’s comments, joining Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan in the midfield unit. So, Sergi Roberto will drop to the bench, with Oriol Romeu and Fermin Lopez also being substitute options.
As for the defensive unit, Xavi might use Ronald Araujo as a makeshift centre-back to counter Vinicius Junior’s pace. But Jules Kounde should start on the right flank in Cancelo’s absence, with Araujo forming the central defensive partnership alongside Andreas Christensen. Alejandro Balde will be the left-back, with Inaki Pena deputising for Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Meanwhile, the offensive department will have one crucial decision from Xavi, as he needs to decide Raphinha’s replacement. Lamine Yamal should feature on the right flank in the final, with Joao Felix replacing Ferran Torres on the other side. Finally, Robert Lewandowski should lead the line for Barcelona against Real Madrid.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
