Barcelona take on Galatasaray tonight in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie and Xavi has selected his strong available squad.
Ousmane Dembele, despite his strong showing over the weekend, has been dropped in favour of Adama Traore.
Having drawn a blank in the first-leg last week, there may have been some concern, given how little in the way of genuine opportunities they created.
Still, both Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were on the scoresheet during a 4-0 domestic win over Osasuna on the weekend and, while a trip to Istanbul is often daunting, at least Barca have rediscovered their attacking prowess to some degree.
A delicately-poised game, there has been a boost regarding Gerard Pique.
The central defender was taken off during the win at Camp Nou but Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that the 35-year-old’s groin issue is not a “serious matter” and he duly starts alongside Eric Garcia.
Gavi is back in the squad, albeit on the bench, having served his recent European ban.
Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen, Dest, Pique, Garcia, Alba, Pedri, Busquets, De Jong, Torres, Aubameyang, Torres
Injured: Fati, Roberto, Umtiti
Date and time: 5.45pm GMT, Thursday 17 March, 2022
TV channel: BT Sport Extra 3
Venue: Nef Stadyumu
