For Sunday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou, Barcelona manager Xavi will have to assess the fitness of a number of players.
Despite picking up knocks against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening, Gavi and Jordi Alba should be available, as both players were able to play the full 90 minutes in their team’s 1-0 victory.
However, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves, and Ronald Araujo all had to be substituted in the same game, and it seems unlikely that the trio will play this weekend.
As a result, Sergino Dest, Eric Garcia, and Clement Lenglet may be inserted into the back four, with Xavi reluctant to take any chances with the defensive trio’s fitness.
Despite the fact that Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Adama Traore are all vying for minutes, no changes are expected in midfield or attack.
Luuk de Jong’s loan from Sevilla could be extended, but Memphis and Traore are both expected to leave this summer, with the latter facing a battle to convince Barcelona to sign him on a permanent basis from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Barcelona will almost certainly be without Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti, and Pedri for this encounter, although Ansu Fati may be named in the squad as he continues to heal from a hamstring ailment in training.
Barcelona probable starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Dest, E Garcia, Lenglet, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Aubameyang, Dembele, and Ferran
When the two teams met at Vallecas earlier this season, Barça were defeated, with Radamel Falcao scoring the game’s only goal, but Memphis may have rescued a point had they not missed a penalty. But a lot has happened since then, and this time Barça will have the benefit of playing at home.
Due to Barça’s participation in the Spanish Super Cup, this game was postponed earlier in the season, and a new date could not be found due to Rayo’s involvement in the Copa del Rey. However, with Betis’ semi-final victory over the latter on Thursday, the cup final weekend is now free for them to play their outstanding match at Camp Nou on Sunday April 24th.
Prediction:
