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What could Quique Setien's first Barca XI be?

De Jong's ban means Riqui Puig could be a surprise in the first line up

Riqui Puig aspira a ocupar la plaza del sancionado De Jong / | sport
Francesc J. Gimeno

Quique Setién will debut as Barcelona coach on Sunday night at Camp Nou against Granada, in the 20th league match of the season with the team in first place.

There are some conditioning factors like suspension and injury and it could lead to a surprise start for Riqui Puig.

Frenkie de Jong is out, banned, while Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez are injured. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Arthur Melo are back training.

The German stopper missed two games but if his right knee allows, will be back between the sticks. 

The defence is unlikely to be changed too heavily. Sergi Roberto may have an advantage on Semedo because he guarantees more control on the ball. Pique and Lenglet are favourites to be paired, with Umtiti on the bench. Jordi Alba, for his status, is expected to play at left back although Setien knows Junior Firpo very well.

Riqui Puig may feature in midfield. With Arthur still coming back, Setien will have to pick two players to add to Sergio Busquets. Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic are options. 

 

Leo Messi and Antoine Griezmann could be joined by Cantera player Ansu Fati up top.