|
Barcelona have named a 21-man squad for Tuesday's Champions League game against Chelsea, with just Nelson Semedo and Philippe Coutinho missing. Club-record signing Coutinho is cup-tied and will not be able to represent his new side in European competition until next season having already played for Liverpool in the group stages. Right-back Semedo, a €30 million summer signing from Benfica, is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards earlier in the tournament. Thomas Vermaelen, meanwhile, has been given the green light to return to action after missing the last seven games with a hamstring problem. The Belgium international was making his 13th consecutive appearance -- his longest run of games since joining Barca from Arsenal in 2014 -- when he picked up the injury against Real Betis in January. However, he's unlikely to start on his return to London, with Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique both having returned to full fitness in his absence. Barca B goalkeeper Adrian Ortola will also make the trip to provide cover for Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jasper Cillessen. Ernesto Valverde may name the same side which started Saturday's 2-0 win against Eibar at Ipurua, which equalled the club's longest-ever unbeaten streak in La Liga at 31 games. The only question mark is whether Paulinho will keep his place in the side or if the Brazilian will be replaced by one of Ousmane Dembele, Andre Gomes or Paco Alcacer. Barca trained on Sunday and will fly to London on Monday, where they will stay at The Grosvenor Hotel.
|
