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Sportsmole 11mos ago
Barcelona missing three players for Alaves clash
Source:Sportsmole

Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will be missing for Barcelona's La Liga contest with Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Barcelona will be missing three players for Sunday's La Liga contest with Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Sergi Roberto remains on the sidelines with a calf problem, while Frenkie de Jong is struggling to overcome an ankle issue and will again be unavailable for selection this weekend.

Barcelona's third absentee is Gavi, as the midfielder is suspended due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up during the 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the league last weekend.

There had been some concern over Ronald Araujo's fitness, with the Uruguay international seemingly picking up a problem during the latter stages of the 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

However, Araujo has been included in the squad and is expected to start at the back.

Marc Casado has benefitted from the midfield absences to be included in the squad, while Pedri is also present, with the midfielder recently back from a thigh issue.

Barcelona boss Xavi said during his press conference that De Jong would be back against Rayo Vallecano in the team's first match after the international break.

Meanwhile, he also insisted that Robert Lewandowski is "at 100%" despite the fact that the Poland international has not scored since returning from an ankle injury.

Lewandowski has drawn blanks in his last two league appearances against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, while he also failed to score against Shakhtar last time out.

The 35-year-old has not actually found the back of the net in the league since September 23 against Celta Vigo, but he should still lead the line on Sunday.

Xavi also hinted on Saturday that both Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde would be in his starting side.

"Cancelo is a very good alternative and offers us many variants. He can play on the left, inside or even as a winger. It is good to have a player of this versatility who adapts to so many positions," he added.

"We value Balde a lot, he has to improve like the rest of the group and I am delighted with him."

Barcelona have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions, but there is allegedly no pressure on Xavi despite the recent speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona squad vs. Alaves:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Astralaga; Cancelo, Christensen, Kounde, Alonso, Balde, Araujo, Martinez; Pedri, Romeu, Gundogan, Casado, F Lopez; F Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Felix, Yamal

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