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Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 5
Sep 16, 2023 at 8pm UK
Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Real Betis logo

Barcelona
5 - 0
Betis

Felix (25'), Lewandowski (32'), Torres (62'), Raphinha (66'), Cancelo (81')
Martinez (86')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Bartra (72'), Rodriguez (84')

Barcelona missing three players for Real Betis clash

Barcelona missing three players for Real Betis clash
© Reuters
Barcelona will be without the services of Pedri, Ronald Araujo and Fermin Lopez for Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Betis.

Barcelona will again be without the services of Pedri and Ronald Araujo for Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Betis, but Ilkay Gundogan has been included in the squad.

Pedri remains on the sidelines with a thigh problem that he picked up towards the end of August, while Araujo suffered a hamstring issue last month and is also still out of action.

There had been huge doubt when it came to Gundogan's involvement in this match, with the midfielder picking up a back injury while representing Germany against France during the international break.

Gundogan has been included in the squad, although Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted that he is yet to make a decision on whether the experienced midfielder will be start.

New FC Barcelona player Ilkay Gundogan poses for a picture during the presentation on July 17, 2023© Reuters

"Gundogan had the blow on his back. We will see how he is today and we will decide tomorrow, although in principle he should be fit to play tomorrow," Xavi told reporters during his press conference.

"Araujo is also progressing well. All players have an injury prevention plan. We should not focus on Pedri. There are injuries in all teams due to the demanding schedule. It's inevitable with stress and fatigue."

Lamine Yamal is again in the squad, fresh from becoming Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer during the international break.

The 16-year-old has provided two assists in La Liga this season, and Xavi has said that the attacker will be "important" for the team throughout the season.

"Lamine Yamal? You told me three weeks ago that I didn't dare to put him on, and now you tell me that I use him too much," said the manager.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring with Lamine Yamal on August 27, 2023© Reuters

"Whether he starts or comes from the bench, he's going to be important for us. He has a natural talent to make a difference and there is no problem."

Xavi has also named youngsters Unai Hernandez and Marc Casado in the squad for the clash with Real Betis, but Fermin Lopez is not available, with the midfielder suspended due to a red card that he picked up while representing Barcelona's second side during the international break.

"Betis is a great team, very technical, with high-level footballers. I have always liked watching [Manuel] Pellegrini's teams and it will be a game with highly contested possession," the head coach added when asked about Saturday's opponents.

Barcelona have picked up 10 points from their opening four matches of the new La Liga season, while they have won their last three against Cadiz, Villarreal and Osasuna.

Barcelona squad vs. Real Betis:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Astralaga; Cancelo, Balde, Kounde, Christensen, Alonso, I Martinez; Romeu, Roberto, Casado, Hernandez, De Jong, Gundogan, Gavi; F Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Felix, Yamal

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How you voted: Barcelona vs Betis

Barcelona
90.8%
Draw
5.7%
Real Betis
3.4%
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Barcelona's Ronald Araujo walks off the pitch after receiving a red card by referee Javier Alberola Rojas on March 5, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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