Koundé still not registered, to miss Real Sociedad game
Barcelona were not able not register the French central defender in time and the player will not travel to San Sebastián. Dest and Abde also miss out.
Xavi Hernández still can’t count on Jules Koundé. Barcelona had hoped to register the French central defender in time for tonight’s game in San Sebastián. The club were counting on closing at least one transfer before the weekend - that would have enabled them to reduce the wage bill enough to register the defender. However, neither Memphis Depay nor Pierre Emerick Aubameyang have been able to finalize their departure yet, so Koundé will not travel with the squad for this evening’s LaLiga meeting with Real Sociedad.
Dest discarded again
Two players who will travel for the game are Memphis and Auba, both of whom are yet to finalize their respective transfers to Juventus and Chelsea. Sergiño Dest, who doesn’t figure in Xavi’s long term plans, has been left off the list once again.
The surprise entry in the coach’s squad is teenage midfielder Pablo Torre. The club are still deciding whether the best thing would be for him to continue as an option with the first team or transfer him to a club where he can get more playing time. Captain Sergio Busquets meanwhile will miss the game due to suspension.
The complete list of the 23 players who will travel to San Sebastián for the Real Sociedad game reads: Ter Stegen, Peña, Piqué, Araújo, Christensen, Sergi Roberto, Alba, Eric, Pjanic, Frenkie, Pedri, Gavi, Kessie, Gavi, Ferran, Ansu, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dembélé, Memphis, Aubameyang, Pablo Torre, Balde and Tenas.