Barcelona missing five players through injury against Almeria

Barcelona will be without the services of five first-team players for Saturday's La Liga clash with Almeria.

Ronald Araujo remains unavailable for selection due to the thigh injury that he picked up while representing Uruguay during the September international break.

Meanwhile, Memphis Depay is not yet ready to return from a hamstring problem despite being tipped to feature in this weekend's contest at Camp Nou.

Sergi Roberto is also still unavailable following the shoulder problem that he suffered in the 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on October 23.

Jules Kounde, meanwhile, was not involved in last week's 4-2 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League due to the muscular issue that he suffered against Valencia.

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Kounde is not yet ready to return, with Barcelona being cautious when it comes to his fitness.

Alongside Araujo, Memphis, Roberto and Kounde, the Catalan giants are also without the services of Franck Kessie, who will be out until after the World Cup with a muscular problem.

Kessie was an unused substitute against Valencia in the league last weekend, but he picked up an injury against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League last week.

Barcelona's squad has been boosted with the return of two defenders, with Andreas Christensen fully recovering from the ankle problem that has kept him out for the last month.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is back from the thigh strain that he suffered against Valencia last weekend.

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The absentees means that there are spots in the squad for Barcelona B duo Marc Casado and Chadi Riad, while the match will be Gerard Pique's final home fixture for the club before he retires.

Initially, it was thought that Pique would retire after the game with Almeria, but he will also be involved in next week's clash with Osasuna.

"We will rely on Pique for the Osasuna game, as well," Barcelona boss Xavi told reporters during his press conference.

Robert Lewandowski was left out against Viktoria Plzen last week, but the Poland international is back with the squad for this match and will be in the starting XI barring any late fitness issues.

Barcelona squad vs. Almeria:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Bellerin, Pique, Christensen, Alonso, Alba, E Garcia, Balde, Riad; Busquets, Pedri, F de Jong, Casado, Gavi, Torre; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati, F Torres, Raphinha