While Frenkie de Jong is still sidelined with an ankle ailment, Pedri is improving in his rehabilitation from a thigh condition, but this match has come too soon for the Spain international.
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Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Sevilla, will also be absent for Barcelona.
Marc Casado can join the team because of the midfield absences, but Fermin Lopez is now seen as a key player and the rest of the players are from the first team.
“He (Lopez) is in the first team, and he has earned it. He is also dynamic, and I really like him. He also came as a surprise to everyone. He has a lot of level and, in my opinion, can play for Barca for a very long time if he believes it. In his pre-game press conference, Barcelona manager Xavi stated that his teammate was ready.
Barcelona hasn’t lost in any games this year across all competitions, and on September 19, they defeated Royal Antwerp 5-0 in their Champions League debut.
With 20 points from eight La Liga games, Xavi’s team is now second in the standings, one point behind Real Madrid, who are now in first place.
“Is the team making progress in Europe? There are numerous players that are an additional year older, have more experience, and have previously achieved success. We have significantly improved, and we expect to perform at the standard required by Barça in this competition, Xavi remarked on Tuesday.
“I don’t consider myself to be first or second. I consider moving forward and the three things. You need not look any further. Since it is the most urgent, it is also the most crucial. a formidable foe at a magnificent stadium, one with history.
“If Porto plays tomorrow with five defenders, we are prepared. Use four midfielders when you play? We saw that last season when it provided us stability and confidence, and we can see it again this year. We made no discoveries, and you can always see a squad with four midfielders.
Barcelona hasn’t advanced beyond the Champions League group stage in any of the previous two seasons, and Xavi is hoping to lead Barcelona to the competition’s knockout round for the first time as a head coach.
Barcelona squad vs. Porto:
Ter Stegen, Pena, Astralaga; Cancelo, Balde, Araujo, Martinez, Christensen, Alonso, Kounde; Gavi, Romeu, Roberto, Gundogan, Casado, Fermin; F Torres, Lewandowski, Felix, Yamal
