As FC Barcelona continue their continental campaign, they will have just two fresh injury concerns, in No. 1 goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and team captain Sergi Roberto. The German shot-stopper missed out on the weekend La Liga affair due to back issue, so he is most definitely a doubt to play on Tuesday night vs. FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
Roberto, however, could be back in the mix and he is almost fully recovered from a calf injury.
FC Barcelona vs Porto FYIs
Kickoff: Tue. Nov. 28, 8pm, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group H, Matchday 5 of 6
FC Barcelona Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
UCL Form, Standing: Barcelona 1st, 9 pts, LWWW Porto 2nd, 9 pts, WWLW
Google Result Probability: Barcelona 66% Draw 20% Porto 14%
Barca Team News
That said, Roberto doesn’t seem to really be part of the plan anymore, or it is at least speculated that he won’t be going forward, so maybe he doesn’t make it into the team after all. Elsewhere Frenkie de Jong returned against Rayo Vallecano, and went the full 90.
Thus, the Dutchman will likely retain his place in the first team for the UCL clash. And of course, Gavi is out for the season, and the Euros next summer.
We’ll have the rest of the first team prediction shortly.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.