Junior Firpo makes first Barcelona start against Granada

Junior Firpo has been handed his first start for Barcelona in Saturday night's La Liga clash with Granada.

The 23-year-old joined the Spanish champions from Real Betis during the summer transfer window to provide competition for Jordi Alba at left-back.

Firpo only played nine minutes of La Liga football in Barca's first four matches of the 2019-20 campaign, while he was left out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Alba picked up a hamstring problem in the European tie, however, which has opened the door for Firpo to make his first start since arriving at Camp Nou on a five-year contract in early August.

The former Spain Under-21 international has joined Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet as part of a back four on Saturday night, but Lionel Messi is once again on the bench for Ernesto Valverde's side.

Barca are currently 1-0 behind on the night courtesy of an early goal from Ramon Azeez, who converted a deflected cross from Antonio Puertas.