Barcelona veteran defender could start in La Liga clash against Celta Vigo

Following an emphatic 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona will shift their focus back to La Liga this weekend.

The defending champions are slated to face Celta Vigo on Saturday, as they look for their fifth win of the campaign.

Xavi, though, must be mindful of the tight footballing schedule that awaits him, especially with Barça also set to face Mallorca next midweek.

With that in mind, there could be a series of changes to the Barcelona starting eleven against Celta this weekend, reports SPORT.

Marcos Alonso in contention to feature

As per the report, one of the players waiting for his opportunity to feature this weekend is Marcos Alonso.

The former Chelsea star, who was linked with an exit during the summer window, has featured in only two matches this season.

Against Celta, Xavi is likely to offer a starting position to Alonso, at the expense of Alejandro Balde.

The young left-back, who has recently signed a contract extension, is set for a breather after starting in back-to-back matches.

Other changes in the offing

The introduction of Alonso is not the only change that may take place heading into the Celta Vigo game.

There is a possibility of Sergi Roberto starting at right-back as well, with Cancelo starting on the left. However, Cancelo could be handed a breather too, should Alonso start at left-back.

Elsewhere in defence, it is still early for Inigo Martinez to start the game against Celta Vigo. The Barcelona team doctors have taken a very cautious approach with the veteran defender so far.

However, it will not come as a surprise to see the former Athletic Club star feature as a substitute in central defence this weekend.