Report: Adriano to start at centre-back

Barcelona defender Adriano will reportedly start at centre-back in tonight's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid at the Mestalla.

The Catalan outfit are facing an injury crisis in the middle of their defence, with injuries to Carlos Puyol, Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra leaving Javier Mascherano as the only first-team option in that area of the field.

Sergio Busquets started alongside Mascherano in the 1-0 defeat to Granada at the weekend, but according to AS, head coach Gerardo Martino will go with Adriano in Valencia.

Adriano has primarily made his career as a left-back, but has also been deployed at right-back in recent seasons.