Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is expected to be given the nod to partner Inigo Martinez in central defence for Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Benfica.
The Blaugrana will carry a narrow lead into Tuesday’s fixture after Raphinha scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory in which Barcelona played around 70 minutes with 10 men following Pau Cubarsi‘s early red card.
The Catalan giants were due to return to action for a La Liga home game against Osasuna on Saturday, but the contest was called off shortly before kick-off following the tragic death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
Barcelona are now preparing for Tuesday’s home leg against Benfica in difficult circumstances, with the hosts looking to continue their bid to achieve a quadruple, as they look to add the league title, Champions League and Copa del Rey to the Spanish Super Cup they have already won this season.
Wojciech Szczesny will be hoping for a simpler evening after making eight saves in last week’s narrow win in the Portuguese capital.
The Polish goalkeeper could be shielded by a centre-back pairing of Araujo and Martinez, with the former set to replace the suspended Cubarsi, although Hansi Flick does have the alternative option of starting Eric Garcia.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are likely to start after putting in a strong shift in Lisbon, while Dani Olmo will hope to get more game time after being sacrificed in the 28th minute following Cubarsi’s dismissal.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will continue to offer the attacking threat from out wide, and the latter will be keen to continue his impressive form after scoring 25 goals and providing 18 assists in 40 competitive appearances this season, including nine goals in as many Champions League games.
Robert Lewandowski was left out of Saturday’s squad for the postponed fixture, seemingly with a view to rest him ahead of Tuesday’s fixture after the striker was said to be struggling with tiredness and physical discomfort.
However, Barcelona’s main striker should be ready to lead the line at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with the 36-year-old looking to add to the 34 league goals he has scored this season.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Olmo, De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
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