Barcelona’s anticipated friendly encounter against Tottenham tonight is poised to take place without a fully fit squad.
The team’s preparedness for the match is jeopardized by several players grappling with injuries, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their participation.
Injury Woes for Key Players
Two crucial figures within Barcelona’s lineup, Andreas Christensen and Gavi, are presently contending with minor injuries.
Christensen is nursing an ankle ailment, while Gavi is hindered by a back-related concern.
Additionally, Ilkay Gundogan, who was absent during Barcelona’s victorious friendly against AC Milan, is battling an issue with his abductor muscle.
These injuries pose a challenge to the squad’s cohesiveness and overall performance.
New Signings Also Amongst the Unavailable
Inigo Martinez, a recent addition to the team’s roster, will be conspicuously absent from the lineup.
Martinez incurred a foot injury during his tenure at Athletic Bilbao last season, prior to his move to Barcelona.
This circumstance underscores the setback in his integration into the team due to his ongoing recovery.
Transfer-Related Absences
The absence of certain players is intricately linked to ongoing transfer speculations.
Franck Kessie, who has frequently been linked to a potential transfer to Tottenham, will not partake in the friendly match.This is attributed to his imminent move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.
Similarly, Ousmane Dembele, on the cusp of joining Paris Saint-Germain, will also be sidelined, further underscoring the transitional nature of the team’s roster.
Predicted Lineup and Match Details
The predicted lineup for Barcelona, adhering to a 4-3-3 formation, features Ter Stegen in goal, with a defensive setup comprising Kounde, Araujo, Garcia, and Balde.
The midfield trio consists of Romeu, Pedri, and De Jong, while the attacking triumvirate comprises Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Fati.
Amidst the challenges posed by injuries and transfers, this lineup embodies Barcelona’s strategy for the match.
The clash is scheduled for 7pm BST on Tuesday, August 7, 2023, and will unfold at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
For enthusiasts unable to attend in person, the match can be accessed via the TV channel and live stream provided by SPURSPLAY.
As the countdown to the game ticks away, Barcelona must navigate these obstacles to deliver a formidable performance against their adversary, Tottenham.
