How Barcelona could line up against Atletico Madrid

Ter Stegen suffered a back issue during a training session over the international break, and the German has since missed out against Rayo Vallecano and Porto in La Liga and the Champions League respectively.

The stopper is still struggling with the problem, so it seems likely that Inaki Pena will again be given the nod between the sticks for the contest with Diego Simeone's side.

Gavi is out for the season with an ACL injury, but Barcelona did not suffer any further fitness problems in their 2-1 win over Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Head coach Xavi could potentially name an unchanged side for the first time this season, with the XI that started against Porto possibly keeping their spots.

Alejandro Balde could therefore miss out on a position at left-back once again, as Inigo Martinez is an important player for Xavi, while Joao Cancelo could be shifted across to the left to allow both Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde to start.

Joao Felix is allowed to face his parent club, and the Portugal international is expected to be joined by Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in the final third of the field.

Lamine Yamal and Oriol Romeu are among the players pushing to come into the side, but it might be a case of same again for Xavi if Ter Stegen is indeed ruled out of the contest.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Araujo, Kounde, I Martinez, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix