Valenciavs.Barcelona

The midfielder was forced off in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win with Alaves following a clash of heads with Tomas Conechny.

Gavi was cleared to return home after being taken to hospital, but while the checks came back clear, he worked away from the group in Tuesday's training session as a precautionary measure.

As a result, there appears to be some doubt as to whether he will retain his place in Hansi Flick's starting lineup.

Barcelona will definitely be without the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal.

Dani Olmo is working hard to prove his fitness in time for Thursday's cup tie, although he is unlikely to be ready to start even if he makes the matchday squad.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Inaki Pena could replace Wojciech Szczesny after having to watch the last four matches from the bench.

Eric Garcia could come in for Ronald Araujo after being introduced at the break in Sunday's clash against Alaves, with the 24-year-old set to feature in a backline with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde.

Fermin Lopez is in contention to start if Barcelona decide against risking Gavi, while Frenkie de Jong is also pushing for a starting spot following his appearance as a half-time substitute at the weekend.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will continue to provide the threat from the flanks, and although there may be a temptation to rest Robert Lewandowski, the experienced striker is likely to get the nod over the alternative options of Ferran Torres and Pau Victor.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Written by

Ben Sully