Xavi has announced the line-up of Barcelona for the away game at Granada. Compared to the previous league match against Real Mallorca (0-1 win), the trainer has faith in Luuk de Jong as a center striker. Memphis Depay and Sergiño Dest are back in the match selection for the first time and start on the bench. The match starts at 6:30 PM.
While Xavi opted for three center defenders in the cup against Linares (1-2 win) midweeks, the coach opted again on Saturday for a classic 4-3-3. Dani Alves has already made his comeback for Barca in the Copa del Rey and is now starting again in LaLiga for the first time. Frenkie de Jong suffered a muscle injury against Linares and is out for the time being.
Depay missed six games due to a muscle injury, which he sustained on December 8 against Bayern Munich (3-0 loss). The striker seems to be calmly brought in and will most likely come in. Dest had to miss four matches due to a corona infection and is also on the reserve bench. Ferran Torres is still not registered in LaLiga and therefore not allowed to play.
Marc-André ter Stegen was given a midweek break and takes his place under the bar again. Gerard Piqué, who revealed his annual salary on Friday in response to the commotion in the Catalan press, forms a central defense duo with Eric García. Jordi Alba is the regular left-back, while Sergio Busquets returns from suspension at six. The youngsters Gavi and Nico González must provide the attacking impulses in midfield.
Last week there was again a lot to do about Ousmane Dembélé, who has still not extended his expiring contract. Xavi nevertheless gives the Frenchman confidence on the right side of the attack. Ferran Jutglà is on the left, where Ansu Fati will probably be next Wednesday in the Supercopa against Real Madrid. The youngster will in any case return to the selection for that match, Xavi indicated on Friday.
Barcelona line-up: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, L. de Jong, Jutglà