Xavi has revealed Barcelona’s line-up for Sunday night’s away game against Deportivo Alavés. Luuk de Jong is allowed to show himself again to the Catalan visitors from the first whistle. There are also base places for Sergiño Dest, Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres. Dest is the most notable name in the starting XI as Xavi has favored Dani Alves as right-back in recent weeks. Kick-off at the Estadio Mendizorrotza is at 9 p.m.
Marc-André ter Stegen is posted below the bar as usual. Xavi chooses Dest, Ronald Araújo, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba in the rear. In midfield, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are assisted by Pedri, who made his comeback at Barcelona during the Supercopa semi-final against Real Madrid. Luuk de Jong starts as attack leader at Barcelona and the supply from the flanks towards the Dutch striker comes from Ferran Torres and Ez Abde.
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Xavi has to contend with the necessary injuries at Barcelona. Memphis Depay is missing due to a hamstring injury and Ansu Fati, Eric García, Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto also have to miss the game with Alavés. In addition, Gavi is not eligible to play due to a suspension. Finally, Ousmane Dembélé was again left out of the match selection. The Frenchman refuses to extend his contract expiring next summer and did not appear at the club on Sunday. According to Barcelona, Dembélé suffers from stomach problems.
Barcelona is having a rough start to the new calendar year. Two weeks ago, a 1-1 draw in LaLiga in LaLiga and then the team of coach Xavi lost in the semi-final of the Supercopa after extra time with 2-3 to Real Madrid. Last Thursday, the Catalans were also knocked out of the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey by Club Athletic (3-2). Iker Muniain plunged Barcelona into mourning by shooting the winning goal against the ropes in overtime. Being in LaLiga los Azulgrana currently seventh with 32 points from 20 matches. They are currently four points behind number four Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona lineup: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Pique, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Busquets, F. de Jong; Abde, L. de Jong and Ferran.
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