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Barcelona announce matchday squad for Inter clash: Malcom replaces Lionel Messi

By Benjamin Barkworth

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Philippe Coutinho, Malcom and Arthur of FC Barcelona warm up during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group B match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on October 23, 2018 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Philippe Coutinho, Malcom and Arthur of FC Barcelona warm up during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group B match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on October 23, 2018 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Ernesto Valverde has decided on his 18 players for the pivotal group B match.

Barcelona have to navigate through two tough matches against Internazionale without key man Lionel Messi as he recovers from a fractured arm. The Italian side are similar to the Catalans in that they have started the Champions League group perfectly, so these head-to-head matches will go a long way in deciding who tops the group.

A tough schedule means that Ernesto Valverde will have to choose his side carefully to ensure they are fresh because they faced Sevilla in a really open game at the weekend while Real Madrid are coming to Barcelona for the Clasico on Sunday. Therefore, the 54-year-old may elect to gamble and make some minor rotations in this match against the Nerazzurri. Barca do benefit from not having to travel due to all three games being at home in this crucial period, which gives them a significant boost in terms of preparation and match atmosphere.

Inter may not have been at this level since 2012 but Barcelona can’t afford to underestimate them because they have experienced individuals such as Ivan Perisic and Miranda, and are currently on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions. Mauro Icardi is fresh from scoring a late winner in the Milan derby which was his sixth in the last six games, so the Barcelona defence must find a way to contain the former La Masia player.

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The only change from the Sevilla matchday squad is Malcom replacing Messi. This is the Brazilian’s first call-up since the Leganes match and he could even start based on Ousmane Dembele’s poor second half display against Sevilla. Denis Suarez, Sergi Samper, Juan Miranda and Carles Alena all miss out while Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are unavailable due to injury.

Luis Suarez missed training recently to attend the birth of his child, but he will be available for the match and he has to step up in the absence of his strike partner. Chumi is once again favoured as the B team centre-back called up to provide depth in that area behind Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet. Barcelona can’t afford any more defensive injuries because they have Chumi and Miranda providing back-up for key positions, who are both inexperienced.

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Midfield is the likely area to see rotations with Arturo Vidal being the ideal player to come in due to his experience at this level, although Sergio Busquets is unlikely to be rested due to how pivotal he is to team’s play, especially without Messi. A draw wouldn’t be a bad result, but they have to aim for a win in order to maximise their chances of topping the group. They have the advantage in terms of individual quality, but it remains to be seen whether they can combine together into a cohesive unit in order to make up for the loss of Messi.

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