Will Pedri play for Barcelona in LaLiga this weekend?

Xavi is confident that Pedri will key for Barcelona again after a spell on the sidelines. Fellow midfielder Gavi is suspended against Alavés this weekend, while Frenkie de Jong is still out. Pedri will likely play in midfield alongside the experienced Ilkay Gündogan, who has played a considerable amount of minutes this season.

More will be expected of striker Robert Lewandowski, who since his return from injury has not had much impact in front of goal. The Polish marksman has now gone six games without a goal for the Blaugrana.

In defence, both Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are also certain to return after coming on as substitutes against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Barcelona injuries

Xavi has two absentees for the match against Alavés, apart from Gavi due to suspension. De Jong and Sergi Roberto are both injured but are expected to return to action after the international break.

After the defeat to Shakhtar in midweek, the Catalans will be aiming to get back to winning ways on Sunday.