Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Barcelona team news vs Real Betis: Predicted line up – Valverde gives Dembele update
BARCELONA will be without Ousmane Dembele for their La Liga clash with Real Betis this evening (7.45pm).
Barcelona are back in La Liga action tonight when they face Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Ernesto Valverde’s side come into the match on the back of a thumping 5-1 victory over Lyon which helped book their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the Catalan Club will be without Ousmane Dembele after the French winger suffered a hamstring injury in midweek.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Valverde said: "He had some annoyance the day before, but I decided to risk him because it was such a decisive match.
"And, according to the scoreline, I decided to bring him on, although he will now be out for three or four weeks.
“The feelings that I had before the game was great; he thought he could play without any issues and wanted to start.
"If it wasn't for the scoreline, I wouldn't have put him on."
Philippe Coutinho is set to be the main beneficiary from the injury with the Brazilian likely to start on the left flank.
Lionel Messi will line up on the right wing after his two goals against Lyon while Luis Suarez will lead the line.
Valverde is unlikely to rest any of his key players with Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao giving Barcelona a chance to move 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Samuel Umtiti will hope to feature in place of Clement Lenglet while Arthur is expected to retain his place in midfield having shone on Wednesday.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has been called up to the matchday squad but Rafinha is injured while Thomas Vermaelen and Jeison Murillo have been left at home.
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Real Betis – La Liga
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Messi, Coutinho, Suarez