Barcelona will have to field rejigged defence against Eibar

Barcelona will have to field rejigged defence against Eibar

Lenglet y Todibo, en un entrenamiento
Lenglet y Todibo, en un entrenamiento | sport

Valverde has questions to answer at the back with Gerard Pique suspended

Gerard Pique's suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards leaves Barcelona short in defence this weekend for their trip to Eibar as La Liga restarts following the international break. 

Coach Ernesto Valverde is still waiting for Samuel Umtiti to be passed fit to return to action, although the French defender has been back in training this week following a foot injury. 

Therefore, Clement Lenglet and Jean-Clair Todibo are likely to be the starting pair in Eibar, save a late surprise. It seems unlikely that Valverde will bet on Umtiti to partner Lenglet keeping in mind he's not played at all this season. 

The coach cannot turn to Barça B defender Ronaldo Araujo, either. The Uruguayan came on against Sevilla last time out but was sent off late on and is suspended. 

NEW PAIR 

Lenglet and Todibo have not partnered each other in an official game. Todibo only played alongside Umtiti and Jeison Murillo last term, while he was with Pique against Sevilla. Their only minutes together came in preseason: against Arsenal and Chelsea, for 45 minutes in each friendly. 

Elsewhere, Valverde has improved options in the full-back positions. Jordi Alba is fit again and could return, while Junior Firpo is also back in training. On the right side, Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto are the options. 

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