Lamine Yamal will replace Joao Felix in the Barcelona attack when they welcome UD Las Palmas to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to keep the faint hopes of winning a second successive La Liga title alive when they host UD Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday evening. And Xavi Hernandez has new concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo are doubts after their participation in the international break. Christensen picked up a knock while playing for Denmark, while Araujo returned late from Uruguay duty. Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi remain on the sidelines.
However, there is some positive update as Ferran Torres is fit and available. In addition, Robert Lewandowski should start despite picking up a knock during the international break. Xavi provided a fitness update on several players during his pre-match press conference.
The Barcelona manager said, “Everyone is fine and available, with the exception of Christensen. Marc was just a scare, he’s fine. Tomorrow is not the ideal day to rest the players, he will most likely take part in the game.”
Xavi also confirmed Ilkay Gundogan and Lewandowski’s participation against UD Las Palmas. He said, “I have spoken to them yesterday and today, they are both fine and ready. Robert has accumulated a lot of minutes, but he is ready to compete tomorrow.”
Lewandowski will lead the line for Barcelona against Las Palmas, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha joining the veteran striker in the final third. Yamal will replace Joao Felix in the starting lineup, meaning the Portuguese international and Ferran Torres will be backup options on the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Christensen’s absence means Fermin Lopez will get a start. The young midfielder will join Ilkay Gundogan and Sergi Roberto in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, the backline should see a couple of changes.
Joao Cancelo will return to the left-back berth, replacing Hector Fort in the position. Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez should come in for Ronald Araujo as Pau Cubarsi’s partner at the heart of the defence. Jules Kounde will complete the backline, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen taking his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Fermin Lopez, Gundogan, Roberto; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
