MX23RW : Tuesday, January 7 14:43:49| >> :60:2935:2935:
[monks data]
Shakhtar Donetsk
Champions League | Group Stage
Nov 7, 2023 at 5.45pm UK
Imtech Arena
Barcelona logo

Shakhtar
1 - 0
Barcelona

Sikan (40')
Newerton (90+7'), Newerton (90+8')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Araujo (45+2')

Barcelona missing two players for Shakhtar Donetsk clash

Barcelona missing two players for Shakhtar Donetsk clash
© Reuters
Barcelona will be missing Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Barcelona will be without the services of Sergi Roberto and Frenkie de Jong for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Catalan outfit will enter the match knowing that only a point is required for them to advance to the knockout round of the competition with two games to spare.

Barcelona have been able to recover the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde from recent injury problems, while Pedri made his long-awaited return from a thigh injury off the bench in Saturday's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.

All four, as expected, are in the squad for this match, but Roberto remains unavailable due to a calf issue, while De Jong will again miss out with an ankle injury.

De Jong trained ahead of El Clasico last weekend and had seemingly been in with a chance of featuring in the clash with Real Madrid.

Barcelona's Sergi Roberto in action with Villarreal's Dani Parejo on August 27, 2023© Reuters

However, the Netherlands international reported with pain in his ankle on the morning before El Clasico, and he was also absent against Real Sociedad last time out.

De Jong is now expected to be on the sidelines until after the November international break, meaning that he is also set to miss out against Alaves in La Liga this weekend.

Marc Casado has made the trip to Germany, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal will be bidding to feature in the Champions League for the fourth time.

"Surely we will notice it for the better. Pedri, Robert, Jules, and Rapha are vital for the team beyond the football level. We have been playing the games as best we could," Xavi told reporters during his pre-match press conference when asked about the returning players.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on September 23, 2023© Reuters

"I enjoy watching him (Pedri). Yes, when I see him playing, everything improves when he touches the ball and everything becomes clear.

"Pedri has enjoyed a lot with us, he has scored many goals but with the injuries, he has not been able to do it always.

"We have done our homework, nine out of nine points so far. The objective, as I already said, is to advance to the second round and the second objective is to be first of the group. Tomorrow is a very good opportunity."

Xavi is yet to lead Barcelona into the last-16 stage of the Champions League since his arrival as head coach, with the Catalan side finishing third in their section in the last two seasons.

Barcelona squad vs. Shakhtar:

Ter Stegen, Astralaga, Pena; Cancelo, Christensen, Kounde, Alonso, Balde, Araujo, I Martinez; Romeu, Casado, F Lopez, Gundogan, Gavi, Pedri; F Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Felix, Yamal

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Written by
Matt Law
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How you voted: Shakhtar vs Barcelona

Shakhtar Donetsk
13.1%
Draw
9.7%
Barcelona
77.2%
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Pedri celebrates scoring for Barcelona on October 9, 2022
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