Vermaelen, Munir and Alcácer don't make Valverde's squad
The three footballers, who are available, haven't been named in the squad for the match against Alaves; Rafinha does though
Ernesto Valverde has confirmed his list of 18 players for FC Barcelona's league debut against Alaves. The squad list might be an indication of his plans for this season.
There were already some clues after Riqui Puig and Miranda, constants in previous training sessions, weren't working alongside the first team squad. The pair were involved in the entire preseason with Valverde and both made their debuts in the Joan Gamper match against Boca Juniors. They've now returned to the Barça B team.
Denis Suarez was also absent today as he, like Carles Aleña, is yet to receive the green light to return to full training. You can include Sergi Samper to that list of unknowns as he's still without a shirt number for this upcoming season. This meant three other names needed to be discarded for the squad against Alaves and they were Thomas Vermaelen, Munir and Paco Alcácer. The Belgian defender will be kept this summer and it's looking increasingly likely that Munir will stay as backup to Luis Suarez rather than Alcacer. Rafinha is named in the squad despite persistent interest from Inter Milan.
This means the full squad list for the match against Alaves is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen and Cillessen
Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Umtiti and Jordi Alba
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur, Rafinha, Arturo Vidal and Coutinho
Forwards: Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, Malcom and Dembélé
