Athletic Bilbaovs.Barcelona

The Spain international has been named in Hansi Flick's travelling party after missing the last two matches with an ankle injury.

The Barcelona boss may be reluctant to risk Yamal from the start due to the youngster's lack of training time ahead of the trip to Saudi Arabia.

Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have also been included in the squad, although they are currently ineligible to play due to their registration issues.

In regards to those that will feature, Inaki Pena is set to replace Wojciech Szczesny after the veteran goalkeeper was given the chance to make his Barcelona debut in Saturday's 4-0 win over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.

Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde should operate as the two full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez are set to form the centre-back pairing, although Ronald Araujo may be under consideration after making his first appearance since returning from injury at the weekend.

Marc Casado and Pedri are expected to line up in Barcelona's engine room, with Gavi in contention to operate further forward in the number 10 position.

Raphinha could feature on the right flank if Yamal is unable to start, with the Brazilian looking to add to the 17 goals and 10 assists he has registered in all competitions this season.

Fermin Lopez may be given the chance to play off the left wing, while Robert Lewandowski will continue to lead the line for the Blaugrana.

Meanwhile, Hector Fort, Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres will all provide options off the bench after recovering from their respective injury issues.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Gavi, Fermin; Lewandowski

Written by

Ben Sully