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Barcelona confirm another injury setback for Xavi’s squad to face Elche

Xavi at Barcelona
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 Ahead of the trip to the clash with Elche in La Liga, the Barca coach welcomed back one defender but lost another due to from injury.

Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest is out of the 23-man squad to face Elche on Saturday evening.

The United States international has a groin problem. It’s his second injury setback in as many months, having previously spent a spell sidelined in November with Lumbago. Barcelona have given no return date for Dest.

In a brief update, the Catalan club stated the 21-year-old’s recovery rate will determine when he returns.

On the bright side, though, Xavi Hernandez has welcomed Jordi Alba back to the fold. The 32-year-old full-back has got the all-clear from the club’s medical staff after a hamstring injury forced him out of the 2-2 draw at Osasuna last weekend.

23-man Barcelona squad

Who is missing?

Seven first-team players are missing from Xavi’s squad, including Dest.

Forwards Martin Braithwaite, Memphis Depay, and Ansu Fati are injured, as are midfielder Pedri and full-back Sergi Roberto.

Gerard Pique, on the other hand, is suspended after the defender collected his fifth yellow card of the season at Osasuna.

 Read the full match preview between Barcelona and Elche for stats and betting tips here.

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