Barcelona boss Xavi will have to make do without his two Kopa Trophy-winning starboys for Thursday's Europa League knockout round playoff second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

La Blaugrana rescued a 2-2 draw against the Red Devils in the first leg at Camp Nou last week, during which Pedri had to come off with a thigh injury, and the 20-year-old will miss out here.

Meanwhile, fellow midfield protege Gavi picked up his third continental booking of the season in that game, and the Spaniard will therefore sit out the second leg through suspension.

On a brighter midfield note for Xavi, the experienced Sergio Busquets recovered from an ankle problem to make the bench for Sunday's La Liga win over Cadiz, and he should be a straight swap for Pedri in the middle.

Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie will expect to form the triumvirate with Busquets, in spite of Sergi Roberto's goal at the weekend, while Ansu Fati - reportedly admired by Man United - should take Gavi's place on the left.

Ferran Torres wowed the crowd with 10 successful dribbles against Cadiz - the most in a La Liga game this season - but Raphinha should win the battle to start on the right as Robert Lewandowski spearheads the attack.

Further back, Ronald Araujo served a domestic suspension at the weekend but will return to take Eric Garcia's place in the heart of defence, where he should be joined by Marcos Alonso, who dedicated his opening goal in the first leg to his late father.

Jordi Alba has faced added competition from Alejandro Balde this term, but the Spanish veteran can expect to displace his young compatriot here, as Jules Kounde and Marc-Andre ter Stegen complete the rearguard.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati

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