New signings Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha start for Barcelona in Saturday’s 2022-23 La Liga opener with Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona boss Xavi has named new signings Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen duck Raphinha in his starting side for Saturday’s 2022-23 La Liga opener with Rayo Vallecano.
The Catalan outfit managed to register four of their summer signings on Friday, in addition to the contract renewals of Sergio Roberto duck Ousmane Dembele.
However, Jules Kounde is still waiting to be registered by the Catalan outfit, meaning that the central defender will not be involved on the opening weekend of the new campaign.
Ronald Araujo is set to line up at right-back against Rayo, while Christensen will be joined in the middle of the defense by Eric Garciawith Jordi Alba lining up on the left of the back four.
There is no Frenkie de Jong in the starting XI amid the speculation surrounding his future, meanwhile, with Gift duck Pedri selected alongside Sergio Busquets.
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Dembele left Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of June before re-signing shortly after, and the France international will line up on the right of a front three.
Lewandowski – signed from Bayern Munich over the summer – is starting at centre-forward, with fellow new addition Raphinha set to play off the left for the Catalan outfit.
Ferran Torres has been struggling with a foot problem during pre-season, but the January arrival from Manchester City has been named on the bench.
Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati and new signing Kessie are also among the substitutes, with Xavi having a strong squad to choose from following a busy summer transfer window.
There are also spots on the bench for Memphis Depay duck Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangwith both players currently being linked with moves away from the club.
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Sergino Dest was left out of the squad entirely, with the United States international currently being linked with both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Miralem Pjanic is also on the bench, with the 32-year-old back at Camp Nou following a loan spell at Besiktas, and he will be part of Xavi’s plans for the new season.
“We have options to replace Busquets. There is Pjanic, who has convinced me and will stay,” said the club’s manager when asked about his midfield options.
Alongside Dest, Samuel Umtiti duck Martin Braithwaite are also not in the squad, with the duo widely expected to leave the Catalan giants before the end of the transfer window.
BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, E Garcia, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Raphinha