Barcelona vs. Villarreal: Rakitic dropped but chance for Dembele

Ivan Rakitic has been left out of the Barcelona squad for tactical reasons for the first time since Ernesto Valverde took over. on the last two years, not counting the Copa del Rey, he has only been absent when he's been rested, suspended of injured. For example, the game in Vitoria last season, which came before the Champions League semifinal against Liverpool. 

The numbers show that Rakitic was a key player for Valverde. Until this summer. Barça put him on the market and the coach insinuated in Japan that it may be difficult for him to earn a place in the team. Since then, he has been on the bench in all Barça's games, until Saturday, when he started at Granada. But against Villarreal on Tuesday he won't even be in the squad. 

CHANCE FOR DembElE

The absence of Rakitic was the big surprise, while the return of Ousmane Dembele was expected. The Frenchman's trained this past week and is fit to return from a hamstring problem. Carles Perez has dropped out of the squad as a consequence.  

The third player left out is Moussa Wague, who has been regularly omitted from the matchday squads this season. 

AleñA RETURNS 

Also noteworthy is the return of Carles Aleña. The midfielder started at Athletic in the opening round of fixtures but hasn't been involved since. However, he returns to the squad for Villarreal, a side he scored against last season. 

As for the lineup, Valverde will have to decide if he sticks with Junior Firpo, despite his poor performance at Granada, or moves Semedo to left-back. In midfield. Busquets will return and Arthur, too, probably. Neither played at the weekend. De Jong should be the third midfielder, although he's played every game and may be rested. Sergi Roberto and Arturo Vidal could come in if so. 

In attack, everything suggests we will see Messi, Suarez and Griezmann start for the first time. Griezmann, like De Jong, could rest given the games he's played so far this season. Dembele and Ansu are also options.