After the international break, Barcelona will play Athletic Club at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night, hoping to get back on track with a victory.

La Liga’s defending champions were thwarted to a 2-2 draw by Granada, a team fighting relegation, before the two-week break.

Next weekend is the crucial El Clasico, and Xavi Hernandez and company will want to enter the game on a winning streak.

As many as six Blaugrana players (Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, and Jules Kounde) will be absent due to injury or fitness concerns.

Xavi has stated that both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have fully recovered from their minor injuries and are in position to play on Sunday night.

Here’s how Xavi may prepare Barcelona to face Athletic Club in the Basque derby on Saturday: despite Athletic Club’s recent record, Ernesto Valverde’s men are no pushovers.

Starters

When Germany played the United States in a series of friendly matches, three players, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, arrived late from international duty. Nonetheless, the goalie is anticipated to start Sunday’s game against Athletic Club.

When it comes to his defensive lineup for tomorrow’s game, Xavi has make some tough calls.

It would not be surprising if Barcelona’s manager decided to sit Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde for next week’s crucial matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid.

Against his previous team, Inigo Martinez will likely start at center back while Marcos Alonso will shift to left back. Since Jules Kounde is unavailable, the Spaniard will be paired with Andreas Christensen.

Xavi has been forced to play Joao Cancelo at right back without a break for the past month due to the absence of Sergi Roberto.

Xavi may rest Ilkay Gundogan after the German international’s travel to and from the United States.

For the match against Athletic Club, this should mean that Fermin Lopez gets the nod at center for Barça. The remaining two seats in the park’s center will be filled by Gavi and Oriol Romeu.

Xavi’s offensive rotation options are limited without Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the Catalans’ offensive trident should consist of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Joao Felix.

Substitutes

Since Xavi will only have 13 players available for the starting lineup, several of the younger players on the bench will get some playing time on Sunday.

One or more of Marc Guiu, Unai Hernandez, and Hector Fort might see playing time against Athletic if they are called up to the team.

Xavi also has the option of bringing in Alejandro Balde as a left wing attacker and Ronald Araujo as a left back defender.