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| Messi returns to Barça Champions League squad vs Manchester City |
FC Barcelona continue their bid to win their sixth UEFA Champions League honour when they host English side Manchester City at the Camp Nou in their third group game of group C and coach Luis Enrique has named 21 players in the squad to face Pep Guardiola’s men.
The news is that right-back Aleix Vidal has been included in the squad to face the Cityzens. The former Sevilla man has been made to sit out Barça’s squad for the last seven games in all competition despite being only the second option at the right back position. He’s unlikely to make the final 18 for the game.
Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti return to Barça’s Champions League squad after they both missed the thrilling 2-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach last matchday. Both players have been out through injuries but made their return featuring in the squad for Barça’s 4-0 win over Deportivo at the weekend with Messi making his comeback felt with a goal three minutes after his return, both players have a huge likelihood to start.
Luis Enrique will be delighted about his team news as he also welcomed back fullback duo Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba. Both players sat out Barcelona’s win at the weekend through minor injuries sustained during the international break but have received the medical greenlight and are selected in the squad to face Manchester City, they are both set to return to the lineup.
Jasper Cillessen who is out injured is the only unavailable player for selection, Luis Enrique also included the likes of Rafinha Alcántara and Jeremy Mathieu from the squad, both players started on Saturday.
BARCELONA SQUAD VS MANCHESTER CITY
Goalkeepers: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Jordi Masip;
Defenders: Aleix Vidal, Jeremy Mathieu, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne;
Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic, André Gomes, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suárez, Andres Iniesta, Rafinha Alcántara, Arda Turan;
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar, Paco Alcácer.