Ernesto Valverde will be deprived of the services of just three first-team players when Barcelona welcome Real Betis to Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barcelona will have the opportunity to cement their place atop the La Liga table when they play hosts to Real Betis at Camp Nou on Sunday. Heading into the tie, the news on the injury front has been slightly mixed. But, Ernesto Valverde has greeted more positive reports than negative.

The big news is that Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti have been given the medical all clear to return to action following their recoveries from their respective injuries. And, Valverde expressed his delight over the duo’s availability during his pre-match press conference.

“It’s great news for the team because they are two players who bring a lot to the table.”

While Umtiti and Messi are back, Philippe Coutinho is in the treatment room due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian, like Thomas Vermaelen and Sergi Samper, should be available after the international break. Umtiti’s return though, gives Valverde an additional option at the heart of the Barcelona defence.

But, the manager could opt to stick with Clement Lenglet, who has filled in for Umtiti with aplomb while partnering Gerard Pique in the central defensive partnership. The full-backs should be Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo, with Sergi Roberto being rested after playing almost every game in the packed schedule of late.

Alba is one player who has stepped up considerably in the absence of Messi, and Valverde voiced his delight about the left-back’s form, while also adding that his recall to the Spanish National Side is well deserved.

“He’s been improving in a lot of areas and is very involved within the team. He’s having a great start to the season and his being selected for national team duty is a testament to his hard work. It’s well-deserved.”

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen should be the preferred choice, having been included in the matchday squad by Valverde, even as he was excluded from the German National Squad by Joachim Low due to injury. Barcelona’s midfield unit, meanwhile, should see a slight shuffle, with Ivan Rakitic being given a rest.Barcelona

In the Croat’s stead, Arturo Vidal could be handed a rare start, with the Chilean impressing in recent outings. Giving Vidal company, should be Sergio Busquets and Arthur. Up ahead in attack, Messi is a certain starter now that he has been given the go ahead by the Barcelona medical team.

Messi’s inclusion is also a foregone conclusion because Ousmane Dembele has been omitted from the matchday squad, possibly due to the fact that he reported late to training on Thursday. Valverde was quizzed on the Frenchman’s exclusion, but the Barcelona boss did not reveal much on the subject.

“He has incredible talent. He’s a great player and we hope he can help us next time.”

With Dembele and Coutinho unavailable, Messi should be accompanied by Luis Suarez and Malcom, who is set to make his first start for the Blaugrana. Malcom, in particular, will be keen to make an impression in the absence of Coutinho and Dembele, having opened his account for Barcelona earlier this week.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Recommended

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.