Barcelona, the current leaders of La Liga, will face Racing Santander, the top team in Segunda División, in the Copa del Rey round of 16 this Thursday at Estadio El Sardinero.
Racing is considered a significant underdog against the champions, who recently secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah.
Barcelona team news
Midfielder Gavi is still unavailable after undergoing meniscus surgery from an injury in August, and he is not expected to return before February. Andreas Christensen is out with a partial ACL tear and is projected to be sidelined until around April. Additionally, Frenkie de Jong will miss the match due to suspension after receiving a red card in the Super Cup final.
On a positive note, coach Hansi Flick has welcomed back João Cancelo, who arrives on a season-long loan from Al-Hilal. The 31-year-old Portugal international previously played for Barcelona on loan from Manchester City, featuring in 42 matches last season, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. He expressed his strong connection to the club, stating, “what I feel for this club is very special.”
Defender Ronald Araujo made his return in a competitive match after a mental health break following a red card against Chelsea in the Champions League. He came on as a substitute during Barcelona’s Super Cup victory and has resumed full training with the team.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen might return as the starting goalkeeper after his last appearance in the Copa del Rey against Guadalajara, though summer signing Joan García is also competing for the position. Expect Barcelona to rotate their squad due to a busy schedule following the Super Cup, providing opportunities for younger players and substitutes.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Expected Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen; Garcia, Araujo, Martin, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran.
When will the match kick off?
The match is set to start at 8pm BST on Thursday, January 15th.
How to watch Racing Santander vs Barcelona?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Premier Sports 1.
Read Also – Aston Villa reach agreement with Roma over Malen loan deal
See More – Everton submit loan bid for Fenerbahce forward
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
