Koeman's probable first Liga XI

FC Barcelona are due to kick-start their league campaign with a match against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, and head coach Ronald Koeman has got some problems on his hands. Not only are they facing a tough opponent, but they are without several regular 'starters' for various reasons.

Besides the unexpected departure of Leo Messi, they are also dealing with multiple injuries and the possibility that they won't be able to register Memphis and Eric García ahead of their league debut.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembélé, Clement Lenglet, Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet are all definitely out of the match, while midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Philippe Coutingo are also doubts ahead of the game.

Neto is nailed on to start between the sticks while Sergiño Dest and Jordi Alba are likely to play on either side of an Araujo-Piqué centre back partnership.

✅ Primer entrenamiento de @Pedri y @ericgm3 pic.twitter.com/zAi1Lo1Ul3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) 12 de agosto de 2021

Sergio Busquets is guaranteed to start in centre midfield, while Pedri - who is match sharp, having recently returned from the Olympics - also has a chance of starting. Frenkie De Jong, who has been nursing a right calf injury, also wants to play. If the Dutch midfielder fails a late fitness test, Sergi Roberto is likely to start in his place.

Up front, Griezmann is the only guaranteed starter. If Barça manages to reduce its wage bill in time, Memphis will also feature in the starting XI. However, the club would need to register him before Saturday, and this could be difficult. If he's registered in time, the third forward role will be taken by either Braithwaite or Demir.