Barcelona’s line-up for the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt has been announced. Everything is still open in the return of the quarterfinals, as the teams balanced each other in the first game: 1-1. Xavi has not made a base for Sergiño Dest, who is back in the game selection for the first time since the game against Galatasaray on March 17 after hamstring complaints. Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong have to start as substitutions.
Not entirely unexpectedly, the goal of los Azulgrana defended by Marc-André ter Stegen. The closing post has a four-man defense in front of it, in which Gerard Pique is the most striking absentee. The center defender dropped out injured in the first leg and, just like in the won LaLiga game against Levante (2-3), was not fit enough to appear at the kick-off. The defensive heart is thus formed by Ronald Araújo and Eric García. Dest received medical clearance in time to play, but will start as a substitute. Óscar Mingueza is preferred right back; Jordi Alba fills in the left back position.
Barcelona XI#BarçaEintracht† pic.twitter.com/ReVquZzDVs
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 14, 2022
In midfield, Xavi has a small surprise in store by preferring Gavi to Frenkie de Jong, just like in the first game. Sergio Busquets and Pedri complete the center line. In the vanguard, Depay and Luuk de Jong have to be satisfied with a reserve role. Ousmane Dembele will create danger from the right wing, while Ferran Torres will attack from the left winger. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fills the striker position.
In drafting Alba, García, Gavi and Busquets, Xavi is taking the necessary risk. The trio is on edge and would have to miss the first leg of the semi-finals with a yellow card. Pique is also on edge, although he will certainly not play against Eintracht.
Barcelona line-up: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araújo, Eric Garcia, Alba; Gavi, Busquets Pedri; Dembele, Aubameyang, Ferran