How Barcelona could line up against Elche

Barcelona boss Xavi will have a strong squad available for Sunday's La Liga contest against Elche, with Jordi Alba available for selection after serving a suspension.

Alba missed out against Athletic Bilbao last weekend due to a ban, but the Spain international is back for this match and should return to the starting XI at left-back.

As a result, Sergino Dest could switch across to right-back, with Dani Alves dropping down to the bench, while there is likely to be a change in midfield, where Frenkie de Jong could come in for Gavi.

Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong all scored off the bench against Athletic last time out, but the trio are likely to be among the substitutes once again.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has netted five times in six appearances since his arrival during the January transfer window and is likely to be supported in attack by Adama Traore and Ferran Torres.

Barcelona will take on Galatasaray in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Europa League next week, but the club are still battling for a top-four spot in La Liga, so Xavi cannot afford to ring the changes for this match.

Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet have recovered from recent injuries, but Ronald Araujo should again feature alongside Gerard Pique in the middle of the defence.

Alejandro Balde, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti remain on the sidelines for the away side through injury.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba; F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres