Sergino Dest is in line to make his full debut while Clement Lenglet will return from suspension when Barcelona face Getafe on Saturday.
Barcelona will be hoping to get back to winning ways and keep pace with Real Madrid when they lock horns with Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday night. And, Ronald Koeman has received both good and bad news ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The negative update is that Jordi Alba is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury. However, with Junior Firpo now fit and a part of the travelling squad, Barcelona do not have a left-back crisis on their hands.
The squad for #GetafeBarça!
??? pic.twitter.com/ObZoF1jA7p— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 16, 2020
On the opposite flank, Sergino Dest appears set to make his full debut for Barcelona against Getafe, with Sergi Roberto dropping to the bench. Indeed, Koeman talked about the possibility of Dest making his first start in Barcelona colours during his pre-match press conference (h/t Barca Blaugranes).
“It was good to have him here for the training sessions and to talk to him about the system and the team, but it’s not too different from Ajax. We know he can play on the right side, the left side, we know Alba is not fit for tomorrow. It’s a possibility he will start tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Clement Lenglet has served out his one-match suspension and should be back in the starting lineup against Getafe. Lenglet will pair up with Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence, joining Dest and Firpo in a backline that will provide cover to Neto, who continues to deputise for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Up ahead in midfield, Koeman hinted during his presser that Miralem Pjanic arrived late and with a minor injury. As a result, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong will continue in the double pivot. In attack, the big talking point has been the possibility of resting captain Lionel Messi. Koeman, though, claimed that the Barcelona captain is ready to go.
“Yes i think so. It will always depend on the players and the others who have been away. I have to see how they feel, if they are tired and then we’ll see who to play tomorrow. They’ve played many years on a tight schedule. I think Leo is one of the players who if he doesn’t play is more tired. He’s a typical winner who wants to play every match.”
Antoine Griezmann’s recent comments over his ideal position caused quite a stir but against Getafe, he should continue on the right wing, with Philippe Coutinho deployed in the hole yet again. Ansu Fati starts on the left flank, with Messi leading the line for Barcelona.
Barcelona Predicted XI: Neto; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Firpo; Busquets, de Jong; Griezmann, Coutinho, Fati; Messi
