After the shocking revelation of Gerard Pique's retirement on Thursday evening, Barcelona return to LaLiga action as they welcome newly-promoted Almeria to Camp Nou.

The final home game before the World Cup will serve as an emotional farewell for the veteran centre-back, who leaves as the fifth-highest appearance maker in the club's history, having won eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three Champions League's throughout an illustrious career with the Catalan giants.

The 35-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the club, with the summer acquisitions of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen restricting him to just 308 LaLiga minutes so far this campaign.

Nonetheless, as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Spanish football, the World Cup winner will surely take centre stage on Saturday, as the Barcelona faithful gather to give him the send-off that he deserves.

Away from the big news in the heart of defence, the Catalan club continue their battle with injuries as they look to keep the pressure on Real Madrid at the top, as Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie limped off during their midweek demolition of Viktoria Plzen.

The former AC Milan midfielder joins Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Sergi Roberto in the treatment room, following a hugely unlucky spell for Xavi's men.

A few of the previously injured are nearing a return, however, with both Kounde and Christensen showing encouraging signs with their respective thigh and ankle issues.

Meanwhile, Dutch striker Memphis Depay took to Twitter to dispel rumours that he is purposely slowing down his recovery from a hamstring injury in order to be ready for the World Cup. He should miss out here, while Ferran Torres may have done enough to retain a starting role after his brace in midweek.

Ansu Fati missed a few big chances in Plzen, and should be replaced by a fully-rested Robert Lewandowski, while the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie De Jong should return to the starting XI after some time on the Champions League bench.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Balde, Alonso, Pique, Bellerin; Pedri, De Jong, Gavi; Torres, Lewandowski, Dembele