Joao Cancelo, Pedri, and Ferran Torres will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday.
Barcelona will be desperate to return to winning ways when they welcome Osasuna to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday evening. And Xavi Hernandez has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Joao Felix has picked up an ankle injury that will reportedly keep him on the sidelines for the next four weeks. In addition, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso, Sergi Roberto, Gavi, and Raphinha remain on the sidelines.
But there is some good news, as Inigo Martinez might be available to take on Osasuna this midweek. Xavi discussed the experienced defender and a few other players during his pre-match press conference, providing a fitness update on them.
The Barcelona boss said, “Andreas [Christensen] has a lot of discomfort and is forcing. Tomorrow he will be available but the idea is for him to participate less. Iñigo will be ready for the next game and Ter Stegen will be ready for the match against Granada.”
While Christensen might be available to take on Osasuna, he will not feature from the get-go, with Xavi preserving him. That is also the case for Martinez, who will not make the starting lineup. Instead, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi should form the central defensive partnership.
Jules Kounde and the fit-again Joao Cancelo should be the two full-backs. The duo will look to push forward whenever the opportunities present themselves, with Cancelo, in particular, being a pivotal figure in the final third. Inaki Pena will continue deputising for Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Xavi should recall Pedri, with Oriol Romeu dropping to the bench. Fermin Lopez, who has officially become a registered first-team player for Barcelona, will also be a substitute. So, Pedri will join Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan in the middle of the park.
Finally, Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the home side’s attack against Osasuna. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will complete the numbers in the offensive department. So, Vitor Roque will be a backup option on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres
