FC Barcelona Receive Huge Injury Setback Ahead Of Porto Clash

FC Barcelona have received a huge injury setback ahead of their must-win clash against Porto in the Champions League, which has been revealed by the publishing of the squad list nine hours ahead of kick off.

Barca face the Portuguese at the Montjuic Stadium on Tuesday with the winner claiming Group H and facing a second-placed foe in the last 16.

Mundo Deportivo reported that a third loss since late October for Xavi’s men could result in the atmosphere becoming “muddy” after the head coach claimed on Monday that he feels 100% confidence from president Joan Laporta and Deco.

Xavi stated this at the same pre-match press conference where he insisted that his goalkeeper and de facto captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen would return to the field.

The German picked up a back knock on international duty earlier this month, and was forced to sit out Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano which has left the Catalans four points off leaders Real Madrid and fourth place in the La Liga table.

It was expected that Ter Stegen would lead the defense this evening, but the squad list published at around midday in Spain failed to boast the 31-year-old’s name.

The three goalkeepers that have been selected for the meeting are Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga and 17-year-old American Diego Kochen.

Of the trio, Pena is most likely to start as he did in Vallecas, in what will be his second appearance of 2023/2024.

It is suspected that Ter Stegen will make his comeback for Sunday’s showdown with Atletico Madrid at the same ground.

After Barca’s slip up at Rayo, Diego Simeone’s outfit rose to third place through a 1-0 win over Mallorca.

They are considered by many to be this season’s dark horses to take the top prize – especially when considering how injury hit Real Madrid and Barca have been.

Second-placed Girona is also on the horizon on December 10, just three days ahead of the Blaugrana’s final Champions League group game away at Royal Antwerp.