How Barcelona could line up against Eintracht Frankfurt

Barcelona manager Xavi is facing a quandary in defence for the first leg of his side's Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park on Thursday evening.

Dani Alves is ineligible for the Europa League, and Sergino Dest missed the recent win over Sevilla due to a hamstring issue and is out of the midweek contest.

Ansu Fati is back in training with the team but will not be rushed back into action just yet, while Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto are still missing alongside Luuk de Jong (COVID-19) and fresh injury concern Memphis Depay.

Dest's absence could see Xavi forced to stick Ronald Araujo on the right-hand side of defence this week, with Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique partnering up at the back.

A settled midfield ought to see Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri all retain their places, although Gavi is ready to deputise for the latter should Xavi urge caution over his fitness.

Ousmane Dembele has enjoyed quite the revival since his January transfer saga and provided the assist for Pedri's winner against Sevilla, but the explosive fresh legs of Adama Traore may be preferred from the off here.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will aim to reach double figures in a Barcelona shirt after just 13 games on Thursday, and ex-Manchester City man Ferran Torres could complete the attack with Depay absent.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres