Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Alavesvs.Barcelona

sportsmole.co.uk, 4 October 2024, 11:53
Wojciech Szczesny is already training with Barcelona after completing a move to the Catalan giants on a free transfer, but the experienced goalkeeper is not expected to be involved in Sunday's La Liga clash with Alaves.

Barcelona signed the ex-Juventus stopper after learning that Marc-Andre ter Stegen would miss the remainder of the season, and he will battle Inaki Pena for the gloves this term, most likely after the October international break.

Head coach Hansi Flick will need to assess the fitness of his squad following Tuesday's 5-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League, but Inigo Martinez insisted after that clash that he would be fine for the game with Alaves despite being forced off with a muscular complaint.

Eric Garcia is available again after serving a European ban, and it is likely that he will come into the XI on Sunday, with Ferran Torres potentially dropping down to the bench.

Frenkie de Jong made his return from a long-term ankle problem off the bench against Young Boys, but the Netherlands international is not yet ready to start for the club.

As a result, Garcia for Torres could be the only change from the European tie, as Barcelona look to bounce back from their 4-2 defeat to Osasuna in La Liga last weekend.

As well as Ter Stegen, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Gavi remain unavailable for selection due to fitness problems.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, E Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Show more

Top News

25 March 2025 talksport.com Former England manager Glenn Hoddle was impressed by Morgan Rogers' 'wonderful' performance against Latvia. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Mark Clattenburg has opened up on the explosive interactions he shared with some of the Premier League's most iconic managers. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Tottenham Hotspur and current Anderlecht defender Jan Vertonghen has confirmed that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Dan Ashworth is set to make a surprise return to the FA after leaving Manchester United. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly aware what it will take to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni during the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have reportedly identified five potential replacements for defender Jules Kounde. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk England Women's head coach Sarina Wiegman has confirmed a 25-player squad for April's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Belgium. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for one of their international midfielders. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Dean Holden has heaped praise on Steven Gerrard's managerial expertise after working under him in Saudi Arabia. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'fortunate' to be joining Real Madrid. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Gareth Ainsworth has agreed a deal to become the new Gillingham manager, talkSPORT understands. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Alisha Lehmann has insisted there's a 'huge difference' between the standards of women's football pitches in England and Italy. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Steve Bruce has admitted he did not get on 'very well' with Dwight Gayle at Newcastle. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool look set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players may depart Anfield at the end of the season. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pablo Sarabia is seemingly increasingly likely to depart Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer, talkSPORT understands. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly identified two alternatives to Jadon Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Reece James admitted that his muted celebration was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal. 25 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT fans have settled the never-ending 'Club vs Country' debate. 25 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest football news as some blockbuster transfer news breaks this morning. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong have reportedly entered talks over a new contract after the Dutchman decided that he wanted to stay at Camp Nou. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lille striker Jonathan David has once again commented on his future amid talk of a potential free transfer to either Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is apparently in direct contact with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected move to Real Madrid. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is reportedly open to a move to Turkish side Galatasaray should his team be relegated from the Premier League. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Azerbaijan vs. Belarus (Tuesday, 5.45pm) Azerbaijan will be bidding to bounce back from a shock defeat when they host Belarus in a friendly on Tuesday night. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Moldova vs. Estonia (Tuesday, 5.00pm) At least one of Moldova and Estonia will collect their first points of World Cup 2026 Qualifying when they lock horns at Stadionul Zimbru on Tuesday evening. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Endrick has hinted at a possible Real Madrid exit after he revealed he fears his lack of playing time could cost him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly prepared to axe 10 players as part of Ruben Amorim's squad rebuild this summer. 24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed personal terms with Spanish giants with Real Madrid.