Published 16:16 IST, July 30th 2020

Barcelona might call up kids for Napoli UCL clash with only 14 senior players available

Barcelona might be forced to call up youth players for the Napoli Champions League clash with only 14 senior players available for the Round of 16 game.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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controversies and struggles at Barcelona seems to have end. Earlier controversies revolved around players, manr and president. However, a new issue has emerged with only 14 senior players available for UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli, forcing manr Quique Setien to call up youth players. 

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Barcelona injury news ahead of UEFA Champions League restart

Napoli travel to play Barcelona at Camp u after a first-leg 1-1 draw at Stadio San Paolo on August 8. Catalan giants will be without services of midfielder Arturo Vidal who stands suspended after receiving a red card in first leg. Sergio Busquets will also miss out on clash due to suspension. Meanwhile, likes of Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo are injured. Ousmane Dembele's injury is still a cause of concern. 

Also Read | Barcelona could take legal action as Arthur Melo refuses to play in Champions League

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Barcelona have limited midfield options ahead of Champions League schedule 

With a number of injuries, Barcelona are left with just 14 senior players ahead of ir Champions League schedule. Only five defenders - Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Junior Firpo and Nelson Semedo are available ahead of Champions League restart. Barcelona midfield is a cause of concern for Setien, with Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto and Ivan Rakitic as only possible players available. However, Catalan giants have a fit attacking line up, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann. 

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Academy players called up for Champions League schedule 

Recent reports suggest that Juventus-bound Arthur Melo has declined participation in Champions League schedule. Arthur was signed by Juventus in a swap deal with Miralem Pjanic moving to Camp u. Brazilian midfielder did t want to depart from  club and was ultimately forced to do so. This leaves Barcelona with just 13 players at manr's disposal. 

Reports claim that academy players such as Inaki Pena, Arnau Tenas, Dani Morer, Jorge Cuenca, Oscar Mingueza, Monchu, Jandro Orellana, Ludovit Reis and Konrad de la Fuente have been called up to train with first-team ahead of Champions League schedule. Barcelona have best opportunity to mend ir dismal campaign into a successful one by winning UEFA Champions League after reversals by Real Madrid in LaLiga. 

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Also Read | Barcelona's Vidal questions Zidane's team selection, defends 'bror' James Rodriguez

Im courtesy: Barcelona Twitter

16:16 IST, July 30th 2020