Barcelona boss Xavi will be forced to make at least one change for Sunday's La Liga clash against Villarreal, with Pedri being ruled out for the next few weeks due to a thigh issue.

Pedri has joined Ronald Araujo on the sidelines, while Inigo Martinez is still missing with a foot injury, and the defender has not yet been registered with La Liga.

Barcelona will also again be without the services of Raphinha, though, as the Brazil international serves the final game of a two-match suspension for his red card against Getafe.

Xavi played a 3-4-3 formation against Cadiz last weekend, with Frenkie de Jong operating in the back three, and Lamine Yamal, 16, playing on the right.

Yamal should keep hold of his spot here, and there might be just the one change from the side that started the two-goal success over Cadiz.

Ferran Torres was on the scoresheet after entering as a substitute at Camp Nou, and the attacker, who is staying at the club this summer, could now come into the side.

Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu are set to continue in the middle of midfield, while Robert Lewandowski is a certainty to lead the away side's attack.

There remains speculation surrounding the future of Ansu Fati, so he is unlikely to be considered for a start, with Gavi expected to keep hold of his starting role in the final third of the field.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, De Jong; Yamal, Romeu, Gundogan, Balde; Gavi, Lewandowski, Torres

Written by
Matt Law