Barcelona might see the return of Pedri and Raphinha to the starting lineup when they lock horns with Real Sociedad on Monday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Real Sociedad to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Monday night. And Xavi Hernandez does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong remain on the sidelines, with the trio recovering from their respective long-term injuries. Otherwise, Xavi has a full-strength squad to take on Real Sociedad on Monday.
Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez did not provide any fitness updates during his pre-match press conference. However, he spoke about the possibility of certain players in his squad making their national team’s groups heading into UEFA Euro 2024. The former Spanish international also discussed Ansu Fati and his upcoming return from his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Barcelona manager said, “It’s not up to me if he [Pedri] goes to the Euros. I see him well, training one hundred percent. We have tried to manage his situation and he is fine. We will speak with the federation in the event that Pau and Lamine decide to play in both the Euros and the Olympic Games. We will talk if the case arises.”
On Ansu Fati, Xavi said, “Don’t ask me more about planning. It will depend on the end of the season and the situation we are in.”
Pedri should return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Real Sociedad on Monday, with club captain Sergi Roberto dropping to the bench. Pedri will join Ilkay Gundogan and Andreas Christensen in the middle of the park.
The starting lineup should see only one more change, with Raphinha returning to the offensive trifecta. Fermin Lopez will make way for the Brazilian international, who will join Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in the attacking unit. But the backline should remain intact, with Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Joao Cancelo retaining their spots. Finally, there is no looking past Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
