Memphis and Garcia IN - How Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad

Martin Macdonald

14 Aug 2021 12:07 BST
3 min read

Memphis Depay in the Barcleona v Girona friendly match — © ProShots

Barcelona have received a huge boost ahead of their opening match of La Liga against Real Sociedad after Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia were registered to play.

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This summer the club have recruited Memphis, Garcia, Sergio Aguero and Emerson Royal.

But, up until yesterday, these new arrivals were not registered to play in La Liga as Barcelona were required to significantly lower their wage bill before this could happen.

Barca's wage bill was running at around 95% of their annual turnover, and this is required to be around 70% to meet these new regulations.

They faced the prospect of facing Real Sociedad with a depleted squad without these players, but now Memphis and Garcia can play.

Aguero would not have played anyway as he has been ruled out for 10 weeks due to a calf injury. The Argentine will potentially be registered at a later date.

Barcelona have met the requirements after Gerard Pique agreed to a salary reduction which gave the club enough breathing space to add the new recruits.

So, how will they line up against Real Sociedad?

Potential Barcelona XI v Real Sociedad

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a doubt which will mean Neto coming in for the first game of the season.

In defence, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza are battling for fitness, too, which means that Koeman may opt to start Garcia alongside Pique, with Sergino Dest on the right and Jordi Alba on the left.

Frenkie de Jong may make it, but it is touch and go and he is still recovering from a calf injury, which means Sergi Roberto could be called into midfield to partner Sergio Busquets

Pedri has played more football than just about any player in the world over the past year and desperately needs a rest, so he may miss this one out.

Ansu Fati isn't available yet and his return date is unknown, while Philippe Coutinho remains unfancied.

Ousmane Dembele is still shelved after being injured during the Euros.

Martin Braithwaite will probably start up top, with Antoine Griezmann, Memphis and Riqui Puig in behind.

Read more about: Premier League Barcelona Barcelona Real Sociedad Ansu Fati Antoine Griezmann Clément Lenglet Emerson Emerson Royal Eric Garcia Frenkie de Jong Gerard Pique Jordi Alba Marc-André ter Stegen Martin Braithwaite Memphis Depay Oscar Ousmane Dembélé Pedri Philippe Coutinho Riqui Puig Sergi Roberto Sergino Dest Sergio Agüero Sergio Busquets Óscar Mingueza