The line-up of Barcelona for the league match against Cádiz on Thursday evening has been announced. Ronald Koeman chooses Luuk de Jong in the striker position, while Yusuf Demir is preferred over Coutinho in the right winger position. Sergiño Dest can show himself from the left flank. The duel between Cadiz and Barcelona starts at 10 p.m. in Estadio Ramón de Carranza.
Jordi Alba, Pedri, Martin Braithwaite, Sergio Aguero, Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati are still in Barcelona’s infirmary. As a result, there is still little choice for Koeman, especially in the front. Álex Balde has replaced Jordi Alba in recent matches. However, the 17-year-old left-back had to leave the field injured during the 1-1 draw against Granada. He is replaced in the starting lineup by Sergiño Dest, leaving a place for Óscar Mingueza at right back.
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In midfield, Koeman has cleared a starting spot for 17-year-old Gavi, who will play on the left for Dest. The midfield is completed by Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong. In the attacking line, Demir can count on a basic place, while Luuk de Jong can also show himself again from the first whistle. Memphis Depay is in the left wing position as usual.
Koeman is under pressure after the defeat against Bayern Munich (0-3) in the Champions League and the loss of points against Granada (1-1) in LaLiga. President Joan Laporta said on Thursday that ‘regardless of the result against Cádiz’ there will be no talk tonight about the future of the trainer. “He is our coach and we want and hope that he does well with the team. Now we are behind him.” If the results continue to disappoint, consequences cannot be ruled out. “That does not only apply to Koeman, it applies to all trainers. If necessary, we take measures. Other clubs do that too.”
Barcelona line-up: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araújo, Dest; Busquets, F. de Jong, Gavi; Demir, L. de Jong, Depay.