Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona boss Luis Enrique left Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on the bench for the visit of Alaves on Saturday as he made seven changes, but Neymar starts for the first time this season.
Messi had been an injury doubt due to a groin injury aggravated in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay last week.
Suarez was on the losing side in that clash and has been given a rest after his efforts in South American World Cup qualifying.
However, Neymar returns after missing Barca’s perfect start to the season when he led Brazil to Olympic gold.
Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and Paco Alcacer make their debuts as Enrique makes wholesale changes from the side that started a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao two weeks ago.
Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto were left out of the squad with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Celtic, whilst Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti and Andres Iniesta join Messi and Suarez on the bench at the Camp Nou.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season