MX23RW : Friday, November 26 12:10:52| >> :120:9475:9475:

How Barcelona could line up against Benfica

How Barcelona could line up against Benfica
© Reuters
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Barcelona could line up for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Benfica.

Barcelona boss Xavi has played down the injury concerns of three players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group E battle with Benfica.

The ex-Catalan midfielder saw his reign kick off with a 1-0 win over Espanyol at the weekend, during which Oscar Mingueza, Nico Gonzalez and Sergio Busquets all had to come off the field.

Mingueza and Busquets suffered cramp and calf discomfort respectively but should be fine for this encounter, although Gonzalez's sprained ankle makes him more of a doubt.

With Ronald Araujo fit enough for a substitute outing against Espanyol, the Uruguay international is now a strong candidate to replace Eric Garcia alongside Gerard Pique in the heart of defence.

Busquets is likely to join Frenkie de Jong and Gavi in midfield if he shakes off his calf issue in time, with Pedri reportedly facing the prospect of no football until 2022 due to injury.

Teenagers Ilias Akhomach, Yusuf Demir and Ez Abde all earned minutes against Espanyol, but Sergino Dest has returned to full training and could occupy the right-wing spot with Ansu Fati still out and Ousmane Dembele a doubt.

Such a move would allow Philippe Coutinho to return on the left, as Memphis Depay leads the line after Xavi was forced to deny stories claiming that Sergio Aguero has chosen to retire due to heart problems.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Dest, Depay, Coutinho

ID:470771:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4013:

How you voted: Barcelona vs Benfica

Barcelona
70.8%
Draw
12.0%
Benfica
17.2%
465
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
New Barcelona boss Xavi pictured on November 8, 2021
Read Next:
Xavi "concerned" by Barcelona's injury issues this season
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid1393132141830
2Real Sociedad148511910929
3Sevilla138412391428
4Atletico MadridAtletico137512213926
5Real Betis147342217524
6Rayo Vallecano147252215723
7Barcelona135532015520
8Athletic Bilbao13472118319
9Osasuna145451418-419
10Valencia144642120118
11Espanyol144551414017
12Villarreal133731513216
13Mallorca143651422-815
14AlavesAlaves134271017-714
15Celta Vigo143471418-413
16CadizCadiz142661223-1112
17Granada132561220-811
18ElcheElche142571120-911
19Getafe142391019-99
20Levante140771225-137

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!