Confirmed Barcelona starting lineup against Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final

Barcelona face Osasuna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday (11 January) for the right to play Real Madrid in the final of the 2024 Spanish Super Cup. The Catalans are the current holders of the trophy after defeating Los Blancos in the 2023 showpiece, in which they put in one of their most impressive performances since Xavi Hernández became head coach.

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Ter Stegen still absent

Barça have significant injury issues to contend with, which will force Xavi’s hand when it comes to picking his starting lineup for the semi-final. With first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen still recovering from a back injury, Iñaki Peña will start between the sticks once again. After a strong beginning to his run in the side, the 24-year-old has looked a little less convincing in recent games, much like the rest of the team.

With Iñigo Martínez in Riyadh but set for a month on the sidelines, João Cancelo not at full fitness and Marcos Alonso, who has barely featured this season, also absent, the defence almost picks itself. Jules Koundé looks likely to play at right-back and Alejandro Balde on the left, flanking a central defensive pairing of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen.

Pedri not expected to feature in semi-final

Frenkie de Jong is expected to start at the base of midfield ahead of Oriol Romeu, who will continue on the bench. The Dutchman will most probably be joined in the engine room by club captain Sergio Roberto, who has performed in recent matches and proved to be a goal threat when he has played this season, and Ilkay Gündogan, a key figure in linking midfield and attack. Youngster Fermín López would be the most likely alternative instead of Roberto.

Pedri has travelled to Saudi Arabia following recent muscle problems, although it would be a surprise to see him feature in the semi-final, with some minutes off the bench in the final likely to be the best he can hope for.

Ferran Torres to start ahead of Félix in attack?

In attack, Raphinha will line up to the right of central striker Robert Lewandowski. Ferran Torres and João Félix are the two contenders for the other role on the left, with the Spaniard favourite to be given the nod. After a fine start to his loan spell, Félix has faded significantly of late and is no longer a guaranteed starter.

Teenagers Lamine Yamal, Vitor Roque and Marc Guiu will give Xavi attacking options on the bench if Barça want to mix things up later in the game.

Possible Barcelona XI to play against Osasuna

Peña; Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Roberto, de Jong, Gündogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres.