SOCCER

Gavi and Christensen to lose places in side after Barcelona draw

Xavi will make changes in Barcelona’s next LaLiga game, after the disappointing draw against Rayo. Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé could start at Anoeta.

Rodolfo MolinaDiarioAS

The 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou will have consequences. The club’s coaches are preparing a few changes after a disappointing start to the new LaLiga season. Some changes will be forced, like Miralem Pjanic coming in due Sergio Busquets’ red card. As AS has learned, there are two players that will be dropped from the starting eleven next Sunday: Andreas Christensen and Gavi.

The Danish central defender will be replaced by Jules Koundé. The former Sevilla defender, who was unable to play against Rayo, due to registration issues, hopes to have this obstacle resolved in the next few days and be registered. The possible departure of Memphis Depay, together with Gerard Piqué's salary adjustment, would allow the French international to register and be able to play next Sunday at Anoeta.

De Jong to come in

The other change in the eleven will be Frenkie de Jong coming in for Gavi in midfield. The Dutchman has had an impressive start to the season, possible as a result of the rumours surrounding his future.

Alonso set to join Barcelona

Jordi Alba as a starter is also up in the air, although nothing has been decided yet, and it won’t be until the arrival of Marcos Alonso is confirmed, who for days has been ready to travel to Barcelona and start working under the orders of Xavi Hernández.

In attack, in principle, no substantial changes are expected: Robert Lewandowski will remain as the main striker, with Raphinha and Dembélé on the wings. Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are the other alternatives.

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