Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Barcelona are still having to contend with a lengthy absentee list ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
There was an outside chance that Pedri would be fit for the midweek contest after spending the last two months on the sidelines, but it now appears highly unlikely that he will feature.
Xavi has confirmed that Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde will be absent for Saturday’s Clasico, which ultimately rules them out of the meeting with Shakhtar.
An ankle injury will prevent Netherlands international Frenkie De Jong from taking part, while Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski remain major doubts.
Although there may be a temptation to rush Raphinha and Lewandowski back ahead of the weekend’s crucial game against rivals Real Madrid, Xavi has made it clear that he will not be taking any unnecessary risks with those players nearing a return.
Ronald Araujo is likely to come into the backline, and he could be joined in central defence by Inigo Martinez, who put in a solid performance in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over his former side Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo and Spain international Alejandro Balde will operate as the two full-backs, while Oriol Romeu is expected to operate at the base of midfield three alongside Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan.
After playing the final half-hour at the weekend, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is likely to come into the lineup to start his second Champions League game.
The highly-rated youngster could be joined in the forward line by Joao Felix and Ferran Torres, with the latter looking to score in consecutive European matches after netting the winner against Porto.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Felix, Torres
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