How Barcelona will line up WITHOUT new signings in La Liga opener

11 Aug 2021 11:03 BST
3 min read

Koeman’s future at Barcelona will be decided ‘in a week or 10 days’ says president Laporta — © ProShots

Ronald Koeman faces a selection dilemma for Barcelona's opening match of the season against Real Sociedad in La Liga as none of his new signings are eligible to play.

Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal have all arrived at Camp Nou this summer, but are not eligible.

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In order for new signings to be registered to play in La Liga, Barcelona must slash their wage bill to meet new regulations set out by the league.

At the moment, Barca's wage bill is around 95% of their turnover, and this must be drastically reduced to 70% before any new players can be registered.

This is why they were also unable to retain the services of Lionel Messi, who has now left the club and joined Paris Saint-Germain.

The Blaugrana has until the end of the transfer window on 30 August to bring their wage bill down, or the four aforementioned signings will not be allowed to play in La Liga.

Aguero will miss the clash against Real Sociedad anyway as he has been ruled out for 10 weeks with a calf injury, further adding to Barca's woes.

So, without any new signings, and without Messi, how will Barcelona line up against the Basque outfit>

Potential Barcelona XI v Real Sociedad

© ProShots - Barcelona XI for La Liga opener

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a doubt which will mean Neto coming in for the first game of the season.

In defence, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza are battling for fitness, too, which means that Koeman may be forced to revert to a four-man backline after playing three at the back for the second half of last season.

Sergino Dest will start on the right with Jordi Alba on the left, with Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique in the centre.

Frenkie de Jong may make it, but it is touch and go and he is still recovering from a calf injury, which means Sergi Roberto could be called into midfield to partner Sergio Busquets.

Pedri has played more football that just about any player in the world over the past year and desperately needs a rest. If Koeman decides to do this, then Riqui Puig might be deployed behind the striker.

Ansu Fati isn't available yet and his return date is unknown, while Philippe Coutinho remains unfancied.

Ousmane Dembele is still shelved after being injured during the Euros.

So, Antoine Griezmann and summer recruit (loanee) Yusuf Demir might play on the wings.

Martin Braithwaite will lead the line.