Date: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Barcelona faces a mounting injury crisis as they approach the Tuesday evening clash since the first leg in February. Frenkie De Jong (ankle) and Pedri (hamstring) will be notably absent from the host’s starting XI.
Adding to their troubles, ACL victim Gavi is unavailable, leaving Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan potentially joined by Fermin Lopez in a makeshift midfield. The sidelined trio of Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, and Marcos Alonso persists, while Raphinha’s presence is uncertain due to an ankle problem. However, Ronald Araujo returns from suspension.
In Naples, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to feature in a Champions League knockout game, aims to set a new record as the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history. Leading the line for Barcelona is the experienced Robert Lewandowski, with 18 goal involvements in his last 12 appearances in the latter stages.
Barcelona’s possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
On the Napoli side, Victor Osimhen’s equalizer against Barcelona marked his ninth Champions League goal. Another goal would make him the most prolific Nigerian player in the competition, surpassing Obafemi Martins. The front three is expected to feature Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Matteo Politano.
Injuries may sideline Jens Cajuste and Cyril Ngonge with thigh injuries, while centre-back Amir Rrahmani, who had a similar issue, is on standby. Piotr Zielinski is ruled out from the midfield as he was not registered for this phase of the competition after refusing to sign a new contract.
Napoli’s possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Napoli (Barcelona win 3-2 on aggregate)
