How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

Barcelona will be without the services of four important players for Sunday's La Liga clash with Valencia.

Ousmane Dembele, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski remain on the sidelines with hamstring injuries, while Gavi is out of the match through suspension following his booking against Almeria last weekend.

Andreas Christensen was an unused substitute in Thursday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg with Real Madrid due to a minor ankle issue, but he is expected to be back in the side for this match.

Jordi Alba could also come into the back four, while Ansu Fati is pushing to replace the suspended Gavi in the final third of the field.

Head coach Xavi does not have many senior options when it comes to the forward positions, but Sergi Roberto is an option play further forward on the right.

There are unlikely to be any alterations in midfield, with Franck Kessie set to start once again, while Ronald Araujo is expected to be the right-back, with Jules Kounde playing inside.

Eric Garcia started the defeat at Almeria last weekend, but the Spaniard is unlikely to feature in the XI this weekend.

Xavi will have to assess the fitness of his players following Thursday's clash with Real Madrid, but Barcelona are not back in action after this one until March 12 away to Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Alba; F de Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Fati, F Torres, Raphinha