Barcelona boss Xavi could hand full debuts to Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix in Saturday evening’s La Liga contest with Real Betis at Camp Nou.
Cancelo and Felix, who were signed on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively on transfer deadline day, were second-half substitutes in the 2-1 win over Osasuna before the international break.
However, the pair are in line for starts here, with Cancelo likely to replace Sergi Roberto at right-back, while Felix could come into the left-sided attacking role.
Ronald Araujo and Pedri remain on the sidelines through injury, while Fermin Lopez is suspended due to the red card that he picked up while representing Barcelona’s second team during the international break.
The home side could also be without the services of Ilkay Gundogan, who picked up a back problem while representing Germany against France.
Felix is likely to replace Gundogan, which would see Gavi move into a deeper midfield role.
Raphinha is available after serving a suspension, but he was only used off the bench against Osasuna, and it is difficult to imagine Xavi dropping Lamine Yamal.
The 16-year-old, who became Spain’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer during the international break, has been in strong form this season and should continue in the final third of the field.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, De Jong, Gavi; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
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