LaLiga: Barcelona’s possible starting lineup vs Almería

Xavi could name the following team for his side’s La Liga clash against Almería.

Gerard Piqué is retiring from football and Saturday will be his last ever game for Barcelona at Camp Nou. Barca fans will have a chance to say goodbye to one of the club’s greatest ever defenders.

Piqué has played 615 games across all competitions for the Blaugrana, ranking fifth in the all-time list for most appearances. The former Spain international has become one of the club’s most decorated players in that time, winning eight La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey seven times and the Champions League on three occasions.

In Friday’s press conference, Xavi said that he is counting on Piqué until Barca’s game away to Osasuna on 8 November.

Defenders Eric García and Jules Koundé both missed Barcelona training on Friday and are major doubts going into Saturday’s fixture.

Robert Lewandowski could return to action after being rested against Viktoria Plzen due to back discomfort. Xavi could also recall full-back Alejandro Balde and midfielder Pedri to his starting eleven.

Former Racing Santander wonderkid Pablo Torre started in the 4-2 Champions League win in the Czech Republic, and the 19-year-old will likely start this one on the bench. Franck Kessié played in midfield with Torre but picked up an injury will miss Barcelona’s games this side of the World Cup.

Iñaki Peña replaced regular netminder Ter Stegen between the sticks in the Champions League in midweek. The German keeper should start against Almería on Saturday night.

Ter Stegen - Bellerín, Piqué, Alonso, Balde - Busquets, Pedri, Gavi - Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembélé.