LaLiga: Barcelona’s possible starting lineup vs Almería, Piqué's last game at Camp Nou
Xavi could name the following team for his side’s La Liga clash against Almería.
Gerard Piqué is retiring from football and Saturday will be his last ever game for Barcelona at Camp Nou, where Barça fans will have a chance to say goodbye to one of the club’s greatest ever defenders.
Piqué, 35, has played 615 games across all competitions for the Blaugrana, ranking fifth in the all-time list for most appearances. The former Spain international has become one of the club’s most decorated players in that time, winning eight La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey seven times and the Champions League on three occasions.
In Friday’s press conference, Xavi said that he is counting on Piqué until Barça’s game away to Osasuna on 8 November.
Barcelona team news
Defenders Eric García and Jules Koundé both missed Barcelona training on Friday but the former has been named in the squad for Saturday’s fixture.
Robert Lewandowski could return to action after being rested against Viktoria Plzen due to back discomfort. Xavi could also recall full-back Alejandro Balde and midfielder Pedri to his starting eleven.
Former Racing Santander wonderkid Pablo Torre started in the 4-2 Champions League win in the Czech Republic, and the 19-year-old will likely start this one on the bench. Franck Kessié played in midfield alongside Torre but picked up an injury and will miss Barcelona’s games this side of the World Cup.
Iñaki Peña replaced regular netminder Ter Stegen between the sticks in the Champions League in midweek. The German keeper should start against Almería on Saturday night.
Xavi will be without Kessié, Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araújo and Memphis Depay, who all miss out through injury.
Barcelona’s possible XI vs Almería
Ter Stegen - Bellerín, Piqué, Alonso, Balde - Busquets, Pedri, Gavi - Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembélé.