Barça vs. Napoli: Ferran Torres set for first rest in Europa League

Ferran Torres has started all five Barcelona games since being registered: 45 minutes in the Supercopa against Real Madrid, 120 minutes against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey (golazo included) and then three full games in LaLiga against Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol.

He joined Barça after three months out with a foot injury, so everything suggests Xavi Hernandez will hand him his first break against Napoli on Thursday to keep him fresh for Valencia on Sunday, his former side. Aubameyang is likely to come into the side at Camp Nou and Dembélé also has a chance, while in-form Luuk de Jong and even Martin Braithwaite could get minutes.

Elsewhere, Barça are still struggling with injuries. Sergi Roberto, Ansu Fati, Samuel Umtiti and Alejandro Balde are all out long-term, while Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet and Memphis Depay are also missing at the moment. In addition, Dani Alves, Ferran Jutgla and Abde are not registered for the Europa League.

Another candidate to rest is Sergio Busquets. The club captain has played 31 of 32 games this season, only missing the trip to Mallorca through suspension.

The problem with Busquets is that there is no clear option to fulfil his role. The most likely solution is that Frenkie de Jong plays there, although Nico Gonzalez could fit in there as well.

Gavi may also rest given the number of minutes he has played this season as a 17-year-old. That could mean a first Camp Nou start of 2022 for Dembele, who was booed when he was an unused substitute against Atletico Madrid recently due to the stalemate over his contract.