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Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 13
Nov 12, 2023 at 3.15pm UK
Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Alaves logo
Barcelona
2 - 1
Alaves
Lewandowski (53', 78' pen.)
Lewandowski (62'), Gundogan (90+2')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Omorodion (1')
Duarte (73')

Barcelona missing three players for Alaves clash

Barcelona missing three players for Alaves clash
© Reuters
Sergi Roberto, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will be missing for Barcelona's La Liga contest with Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Barcelona will be missing three players for Sunday's La Liga contest with Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Sergi Roberto remains on the sidelines with a calf problem, while Frenkie de Jong is struggling to overcome an ankle issue and will again be unavailable for selection this weekend.

Barcelona's third absentee is Gavi, as the midfielder is suspended due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up during the 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the league last weekend.

There had been some concern over Ronald Araujo's fitness, with the Uruguay international seemingly picking up a problem during the latter stages of the 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

However, Araujo has been included in the squad and is expected to start at the back.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong on September 23, 2023© Reuters

Marc Casado has benefitted from the midfield absences to be included in the squad, while Pedri is also present, with the midfielder recently back from a thigh issue.

Barcelona boss Xavi said during his press conference that De Jong would be back against Rayo Vallecano in the team's first match after the international break.

Meanwhile, he also insisted that Robert Lewandowski is "at 100%" despite the fact that the Poland international has not scored since returning from an ankle injury.

Lewandowski has drawn blanks in his last two league appearances against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, while he also failed to score against Shakhtar last time out.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on September 23, 2023© Reuters

The 35-year-old has not actually found the back of the net in the league since September 23 against Celta Vigo, but he should still lead the line on Sunday.

Xavi also hinted on Saturday that both Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde would be in his starting side.

"Cancelo is a very good alternative and offers us many variants. He can play on the left, inside or even as a winger. It is good to have a player of this versatility who adapts to so many positions," he added.

"We value Balde a lot, he has to improve like the rest of the group and I am delighted with him."

Barcelona have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions, but there is allegedly no pressure on Xavi despite the recent speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona squad vs. Alaves:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Astralaga; Cancelo, Christensen, Kounde, Alonso, Balde, Araujo, Martinez; Pedri, Romeu, Gundogan, Casado, F Lopez; F Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Felix, Yamal

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How you voted: Barcelona vs Alaves

Barcelona
86.4%
Draw
10.2%
Alaves
3.4%
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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong on September 23, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1GironaGirona13111131161534
2Real Madrid1310212891932
3Barcelona1393126131330
4Atletico MadridAtletico1291229121728
5Athletic Bilbao137332517824
6Real Sociedad136432316722
7Real BetisBetis135621716121
8Las PalmasLas Palmas135351112-118
9Valencia135351618-218
10Rayo Vallecano134631517-218
11Getafe133731517-216
12Osasuna134271521-614
13Sevilla122641817112
14Villarreal133371824-612
15AlavesAlaves133371118-712
16CadizCadiz122461017-710
17Mallorca121651218-69
18Celta Vigo131481424-107
19Granada131481830-127
20Almeria1303101535-203

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