Barcelona’s hunt for a Champions League spot continues on Sunday as they host Real Mallorca at Camp Nou.
Barca have lost their previous three matches at the venue – a first in the same season in the long history of the club – and they will be eager to avoid that run being extended as they seek to secure a top-four finish.
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Sevilla’s victory on Friday has put pressure on Xavi’s side.
There is mixed news on the injury front ahead of this encounter. Ansu Fati is set to make a welcome return to action after what has been an injury-interrupted campaign but on the flip side it appears unlikely that Ousmane Dembele will make the squad due to tonsillitis. The French winger’s form this season when fit has been exceptional.
Meanwhile, the other issues that Barcelona are coping with are largely in defence.
Gerard Pique is rated as doubtful while Oscar Mingueza is out with Covid. Sergi Roberto and Sergino Dest are also missing.
Nevertheless, Barcelona should be able to name a strong back four, with Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Jordi Alba playing in front of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Pedri remains absent in midfield along with Nico Gonzalez, so a familiar trio of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Gavi should start this match.
The front three is trickier to predict due to Dembele’s absence and the fact that Ansu is very unlikely to start this game after yet another injury concern. Also in attack, Martin Braithwaite has contracted Covid and will be unable to play any role in this match.
Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start, of course, leaving Adama Traore and Memphis Depay to squabble over the final position.
Possible Barcelona starting XI vs Mallorca
