Team News: Andre Gomes handed Barcelona start for Atletico Madrid trip

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has handed a starting spot to Andre Gomes for this evening's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Portugal international features from the off in the league for the first time this campaign, having so far been restricted to substitute appearances.

Gomes will provide attacking support for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the latter of whom has reportedly delayed surgery on a troublesome knee problem until later this month.

Paulinho, Sergi Roberto and Denis Suarez are all kept in reserve, meanwhile, but there is a place in central midfield for Andres Iniesta after shaking off a minor hamstring complaint.

In terms of the home side, manager Diego Simeone has been handed a boost as full-back Filipe Luis is deemed fit enough to start, while on the opposite flank Juanfran is utilised in the absence of Sime Vrsaljko.

Atletico, without a win in any of their last 14 meetings against tonight's opponents, can call upon Angel Correa and Antoine Greizmann in a likely 4-4-2 formation.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Koke, Saul, Gabi; Carrasco, Griezmann, Correa Subs: Moya, Lucas, Gimenez, Thomas, Gaitan, Gameiro, Torres

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Gomes; Iniesta, L.Suarez, Messi Subs: Cillessen, D.Suarez, Mascherano, Paulinho, Deulofeu, Digne, Sergi Roberto

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