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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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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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