By Betsefy
Barcelona are again expected to be without the services of a number of first-team players for Saturday’s La Liga contest with Granada.
Martin Braithwaite, Sergi Roberto and Pedri remain on the sidelines through injury, while Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong are both out due to the problems that they picked up in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey contest with Linares Deportivo, with the former needing to undergo an operation on a hand injury.
Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet could again be absent through illness, while Philippe Coutinho, Abde Ezzalzouli, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Sergino Dest remain doubts following recent COVID-19 positive tests.
Barcelona’s midfield issues could see Riqui Puig feature once again, although Dani Alves is also an option in the middle, with the Brazilian in line to make his second league debut for the club.
January arrival Ferran Torres is still ineligible, but Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati could both be back in the squad, with head coach Xavi providing an update on their fitness ahead of the clash with Deportivo.
There have been suggestions that Ousmane Dembele could be left out of the squad amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, but the France international is expected to start here.
Luuk de Jong could also return from suspension to lead the line, while Ferran Jutgla should be given the nod over Ilias Akhomach as part of a front three.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Garcia, Pique, Alba; Puig, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, F de Jong, Jutgla
