Barcelona have no injury concerns heading into Sunday's La Liga contest with Getafe, but both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will miss the match through suspension.
Lewandowski is serving the second of his three-game suspension in Spain's top flight, while Torres received a two-match ban for his red card in the team's last league game with Atletico Madrid on January 8.
The absences of Lewandowski and Torres, coupled with the recent departure of Memphis Depay, has seen Angel Alarcon named in the first-team squad once again.
The 18-year-old made his first-team debut for Barcelona on Thursday evening, entering the field as a late substitute in the team's 5-0 success over Ceuta in the Copa del Rey.
© Reuters
Ansu Fati is widely expected to be given the nod through the middle in the absence of Lewandowski, with Gavi and Ousmane Dembele potentially joining him in a front three.
Xavi has said that both Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong were left out against Ceuta due to minor injuries, but the pair have returned to the squad against Getafe.
"They are available, but they are coming back from injury. We'll see how they are tomorrow. Now we can't play with players at 80%. Every game is a war, it's a final," the manager told reporters.
Xavi also paid tribute to Gavi for his recent form, with the 18-year-old scoring twice and providing an assist in a standout display in the final of the Spanish Super Cup last weekend.
© Reuters
"I think the individual talks and videos have gone very well. He is one of the players who has watched the most individual videos," said the manager.
"He is a very young player and the immaturity of his age meant that he didn't compete well at certain times.
"He has matured very well, he knows how to make a tactical foul when he has to, he knows when to receive with his back turned, he is a very intelligent player and for his young age, he has matured very quickly.
"He competes better every day and with his desire and courage he is very important to the team."
Barcelona will have the chance to move six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table when they take to the field against Getafe, who are currently 15th in the division.
Barcelona squad vs. Getafe:
Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Bellerin, Araujo, Christensen, Alonso, Alba, Roberto, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Kessie, F de Jong, Gavi, Torre; Dembele, Fati, Raphinha, Alarcon
Matt Law
