On Friday afternoon after the training session that took place on the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Ernesto Valverde announced the FC Barcelona squad to face Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Saturday at 8:45pm CET. The list was notable for being the first which included the four new signings.
Luis Suárez also returns, the Uruguayan striker already recovered from the distension to the back of the right knee, ensuring he will be available to play at the Camp Nou. Sergi Roberto is left out as a precaution after feeling pain on the inside of the left knee, joining Rafinha and Arda Turan who continue to recover from their injuries. Valverde did not call upon Thomas Vermaelen, Denis Suárez and Aleix Vidal on this occasion.
Therefore, the complete list is as follows: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Semedo, Piqué, Rakitic, Sergio, A. Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Dembélé, Mascherano, Paulinho, Deulofeu, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, Digne, André Gomes and Umtiti.
