Barcelonavs.Atalanta

The Spain international has returned to training after missing was unable to feature in Sunday's 7-1 demolition over Valencia due to illness.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, Dani Olmo is unlikely to be ready in time, having been forced to sit out the last two matches with a calf problem.

The attacker is joined on the sidelined by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, defender Inigo Martinez and midfielder Marc Bernal.

Hansi Flick has started Wojciech Szczesny in the last two matches, and while he has looked unconvincing at times, the Barcelona boss could stick with the experienced goalkeeper, leaving Inaki Pena to settle for a role as a backup shot-stopper.

Eric Garcia is expected to retain his place in central defence alongside Pau Cubarsi, while Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will operate as the two full-backs.

Pedri and Gavi are set to come into midfield alongside Marc Casado, which would see Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez drop to the bench despite scoring three goals between them at the weekend.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will continue to operate from off the flanks, with the latter looking to continue his red-hot form after scoring six goals in the last five matches.

Robert Lewandowski will return to the starting lineup after dropping out of the side for Sunday's league win, although he still came off the bench to score his 29th competitive goal of the season.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Written by

Ben Sully