FC Barcelona has a 'luxury reinforcement' for their upcoming match against Alaves, as reported by SPORT. Inigo Martinez, who has recently regained match fitness, has been included in the first team squad for the Basque Region encounter. While Martinez may not be in the starting XI, manager Xavi Hernandez has opted for a defensive lineup consisting of Joao Cancelo at left back, alongside Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen recovering from back surgery and uncertain for the upcoming Champions League clash against Napoli, Inaki Pena takes charge in the goalkeeping position. Meanwhile, Gavi's season-ending injury has prompted Xavi to field his strongest midfield trio, with Frenkie de Jong providing support as the pivot player for Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri.
Considering the absence of Joao Felix and Ferran Torres due to injury, Xavi has returned to utilizing a system with four midfielders, with Fermin Lopez playing as a 'false' left winger. This decision has left Vitor Roque, the goalscorer against Osasuna in the previous match, waiting for his maiden start since joining from Athletico Paranaense in a potentially lucrative deal worth $60 million.
Completing the front line for Barcelona, 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal takes his position on the opposite wing, with Robert Lewandowski leading the attack as the central striker.
Looking ahead to the match against Alaves, Xavi expects a similar game to their previous encounter in Montjuic, which Barcelona won 2-1 thanks to two second-half goals from Lewandowski after conceding an early goal. The outgoing coach emphasizes the need to minimize Alaves' counter-attacks, noting the speed of their players. He stresses the importance of maintaining a strong attacking presence while remaining vigilant after losing possession, as their previous encounter at home proved challenging.
With Girona and Real Madrid playing later, a victory at the Estadio de Mendizorroza would allow Barcelona to close the lead to five and seven points, respectively. Xavi emphasizes the difficulty of the upcoming match against Alaves, stating that it is crucial to secure the win before focusing on other factors. He acknowledges the superior performances of Real Madrid and Girona thus far but remains optimistic about the remaining 16 games of the season.
FC Barcelona's Confirmed Starting XI against Deportivo Alaves: - Inaki Pena (Goalkeeper) - Joao Cancelo (Left Back) - Andreas Christensen (Center Back) - Ronald Araujo (Center Back) - Jules Kounde (Center Back) - Frenkie de Jong (Midfield) - Pedri (Midfield) - Ilkay Gundogan (Midfield) - Fermin Lopez (Left Winger) - Robert Lewandowski (Striker) - Lamine Yamal (Right Wing)
