La Liga champions Barcelona begin building up to the defence of their Spanish title on Saturday, as they kick off a tour of the United States with a friendly fixture against Serie A giants Juventus.
Having travelled to America with a 32-man squad, the Blaugrana are set to field some of this summer's signings, with Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez both available to Xavi - in addition to recently returned midfielder Oriol Romeu.
The arrival of Martinez offers another option in central defence, and the former Athletic Club man fights it out with Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia for a place in the Barca back four - Jules Kounde may not be fit enough to feature. Meanwhile, Gundogan's capture from Manchester City should aid the transition to life after Sergio Busquets.
Another eye-catching transfer window acquisition, Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, will not arrive at the club until this time next year, but several other starlets are among those in contention for playing time this weekend.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal joins Marc Casado and Ander Astralaga in a group of young players hoping to impress Xavi ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Though all three are expected to leave Barcelona in the coming weeks, Clement Lenglet, Sergino Dest and Franck Kessie - the latter of whom has been linked with a return to Italy for several months now - will also be vying for selection in California. Porto-bound Nico Gonzalez, though, has not been included.
With three more warm-up games to come before they return from the US, Barcelona could field a more experimental side on Saturday, and plenty of substitutions should be expected during the second half as Xavi seeks to give fringe players an opportunity.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; R. Araujo, Garcia, Martinez, Alonso; Roberto, Romeu, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi
> Click here to see how Juventus could line up for this pre-season friendly
Jonathan O'Shea
