MX23RW : Friday, May 17 13:01:13| >> :120:5617:5617:
[monks data]
Villarreal logo
La Liga | Gameweek 3
Aug 27, 2023 at 4.30pm UK
Estadio de la Ceramica
Barcelona logo

Villarreal
3 - 4
Barcelona

Foyth (26'), Sorloth (40'), Baena (50')
Foyth (45+6'), Terrats (57'), Gabbia (80')
FT(HT: 2-2)
Gavi (12'), de Jong (15'), Torres (68'), Lewandowski (71')
Yamal (44'), Lewandowski (45+6'), Garcia (82')

Barcelona missing five players for Villarreal clash

Barcelona missing five players for Villarreal clash
© Reuters
Barcelona will be missing five players for Sunday's La Liga contest with Villarreal, including injured duo Pedri and Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona will be without the services of five players for Sunday's La Liga contest with Villarreal.

Pedri picked up a thigh injury during a training session towards the end of last week, with the midfielder now expected to be on the sidelines until the start of October.

Ronald Araujo is also missing with a hamstring problem, while Raphinha will serve the final game of his two-match suspension following his red card against Getafe on the opening weekend of the season.

There is also no Inigo Martinez, with the summer arrival not yet fully recovered from his foot issue, while the centre-back has still not been registered with La Liga.

New FC Barcelona player Inigo Martinez poses for a picture during his presentation on July 13, 2023© Reuters

Inaki Pena is the final first-team player to miss out, with the goalkeeper's registration still pending.

However, there is good news when it comes to Marcos Alonso, with the defender being included in the squad for the first time this season, with Barcelona managing to register him to play in La Liga.

The absences have opened the door for a number of youngsters to be included, including 16-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi, while Fermin Lopez, Ander Astralaga, Diego Kochen and Marc Casado are also in the squad.

Lamine Yamal, 16, started the 2-0 win over Cadiz last weekend and could retain his spot for this match.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal comes on for his historic debut on April 29, 2023© Reuters

Alejandro Balde, meanwhile, has overcome an injury scare to make the squad, with the left-back recovering from the knock that he picked up in training on Friday.

"[Quique] Setien and Villarreal have a similar idea to ours. They are a very well-equipped team in midfield, they can dominate the game," head coach Xavi told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"We will have to take the ball away from them, put pressure on their defensive line, press in the opposition half. It will be key to have the ball."

Ferran Torres will be among those hoping to start on Sunday, with the forward set to remain at Camp Nou despite the speculation surrounding his future during the summer market.

Barcelona squad vs. Villarreal:

Ter Stegen, Astralaga, Kochen; Christensen, Alonso, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde, Cubarsi; Casado, Romeu, Roberto, Yamal, F Lopez, De Jong, Gundogan, Gavi; F Torres, Lewandowski, Fati, Ezzalzouli

ID:522267:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4866:No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Ferran Torres

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Game History

How you voted: Villarreal vs Barcelona

Villarreal
12.2%
Draw
19.8%
Barcelona
67.9%
131
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on May 14, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona announce new long-term contract for Ter Stegen
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona36247574433179
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico36234967392873
5Athletic Bilbao361711858372162
6Real Sociedad361512949371257
7Real BetisBetis36141484843556
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia36139143740-348
10Getafe361013134151-1043
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla361011154750-341
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Las PalmasLas Palmas36108183246-1438
15Rayo Vallecano36814142944-1538
16Celta Vigo36910174254-1237
17Mallorca36715142941-1236
18CadizCadiz36614162549-2432
RGranada3649233770-3321
RAlmeria36211233572-3717


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!