How Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad

Sergio Busquets received a second yellow card in injury-time against Rayo so he will serve a one-match suspension, with Franck Kessie and Frenkie De Jong battling to replace him in the deep-lying midfield role.

Given that both midfielders made a positive impact on the game after coming on during the second half, Xavi could elect to start both of them, with Gavi making way after a below-par performance.

That would free up Pedri to be a more creative influence in the final third, with Kessie and De Jong providing greater physicality and mobility for what represents a tough away match.

In defence, new signing Jules Kounde has still not been registered, with the club needing to move more players off their wage bill before they can do so. Andreas Christensen had a decent debut following his move from Chelsea, and he could be partnered by Sergio Araujo, who struggled at right-back against Rayo but looked more assured after moving inside to his preferred central role.

That would leave Sergi Roberto as the primary option to provide more natural ability at right-back, with Eric Garcia dropping out of the starting XI.

In attack, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski both blanked on debut but they will almost certainly start again, with Ansu Fati potentially replacing Ousmane Dembele on the left flank after an extremely bright cameo.

Ferran Torres was an unused substitute after his recent foot injury, so the former Manchester City forward will hope to receive crucial minutes from the bench this time around.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Christensen, Araujo, Alba; De Jong, Kessie, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati