Barcelona duo expected to return from injury for second leg vs Frankfurt

Following a dramatic win over Levante on the weekend, FC Barcelona will shift their focus back to the UEFA Europa League as they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou on Thursday.

The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg at the Deutsche Bank Park, meaning the Catalans require a victory in order to proceed to the semi-finals.

During the first leg, Barcelona were without some of their key players including Sergino Dest, Memphis Depay, and Ansu Fati, who had only returned to training at the time. Barça were further dealt with the injury of defensive lynchpin Gerard Pique.

However, heading into the second leg, it appears Pique is in contention to start on Thursday while Depay should return to full fitness as well, reports Diario AS.

Pique had suffered a thigh injury in the first leg, which had left him out against Levante on the weekend. But the centre-back is expected to undergo a test on Wednesday, and if the reports are positive, he will be cleared to play against Frankfurt.

The veteran’s return could be a massive boost for Barcelona’s defence, as he looks to renew his central defensive partnership alongside Eric Garcia.

Everything points towards Ronald Araujo starting at right-back while Garcia and Pique take their place in the heart of the defence.

The return of Memphis, meanwhile, is subject to a test on Wednesday after picking up a hamstring injury earlier in the month. If reports in midweek come out positive, he will be able to feature against Frankfurt.

Depay is unlikely to be a starter against die Adler, but his availability could significantly improve the bench strength for Xavi. It could prove to be beneficial given how the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore looked toothless for the majority of the first leg.

In other team news, Thursday’s game against Frankfurt comes a bit too soon for attacking phenom Fati, whereas Dest (injury) and Dani Alves (ineligible) remain unavailable as well.