Barcelona hand a maiden start to January recruit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they face Napoli in the Europa League tonight.
The former Arsenal striker has made two substitute appearances since joining the club, and head coach Xavi has decided Aubameyang is now ready to play from the start.
Adama Traore make his first European appearance since joining on loan from Wolves last month, while Ousmane Dembele has to settle for a place on the bench. Ferran Torres starts alongside his fellow new signings.
Dembele was unable to agree a move away in January, despite Barcelona pushing for him to leave, but Xavi has confirmed that Dembele will still feature between now and the end of the season.
“We have decided that he is part of the squad and we can’t shoot ourselves in the foot,” Xavi said.
‘We have to use him and he can help us.”
Dani Alves does not play against Napoli, after Barcelona opted against registering him in their Europa League squad, while Ronald Araujo misses out after being forced off with injury last weekend. Eric Garcia replaces him.
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Mingueza, Pique, Garcia, Alba, De Jong, Nico, Pedri, Torres, Aubameyang, Traore
Subs: Neto, Tenas, Dest, Busquets, Puig, Gavi, Dembele, Braithwaite, De Jong
Venue: Camp Nou
Date and time: Thursday February 17, 2022 at 5.45pm GMT
TV channel: BT Sport ESPN
