Barcelona face a long list of absentees ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
There was a possibility that Pedri could feature in the midweek game after being sidelined for the past two months, but now he appears to be unavailable.
Xavi has confirmed that Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde will miss Saturday’s Clásico, which left them out of the match against Shakhtar.
A groin injury excluded the Dutch Frenkie De Jong, while Rafinha and Robert Lewandowski were very doubtful.
It may be tempting to dwell on Rafinha and Lewandowski ahead of this weekend’s crucial game against bitter rivals Real Madrid, but Xavi has made it clear he will not take any unnecessary risks with his players ready to return.
Ronald Araujo is likely to drop into the back row and will be joined in central defense by Inigo Martinez, who performed well in Sunday’s 1-0 win over former club Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo and Spain international Alejandro Balde are expected to lead the defence, with Oriol expected to form the basis of his midfield three with Romeu Gabi and Ilkay Gundogan.
After playing the final 30 minutes of the weekend, 16-year-old Lamin Yamal could line up to start his second Champions League game.
The highly-rated youngster could join Joao Felix and Ferran Torres in attack, with the latter looking for a goal in Europe after scoring the winner against Porto.
Possible Barcelona starting lineups:
Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gabi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Felix, Torres
For Barcelona’s Champions league news and updates please visit our website.
