Without Messi, Barça must choose Dembele or Ansu to start against Getafe
Valverde will need to shuffle his pack once again as he looks to find the right formula in attack
Ernesto Valverde's attacking options have been complicated by injuries since day one. As FC Barcelona prepare for the match against Getafe, they must do so without Lionel Messi as the Argentine returns to the treatment room after only just recovering from his previous calf issue.
The most obvious option would be to go with Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele upfront. The trio have yet to start a match together this season but when Dembele replaced Messi, the trident were all on the pitch against Villarreal. That was until Ansu Fati replaced Suarez later on.
Even though Suarez is struggling for form, he's almost certain to start with Messi out. The same can be said for Griezmann who has been an ever-present since joining the club this summer. The only question mark is whether Dembele gets the nod ahead of Ansu.
Options to choose from
Dembele did well on his own return from injury and looks set to retain his place in the team. However, Valverde might be cautious about taking chances on the delicate Frenchman and instead opt for the red-hot Ansu instead.
Should Valverde feel it's too much of a risk to start Dembele, Ansu would get another chance to impress the masses alongside Suarez and Griezmann. With the U17 World Cup looming, Barça might want to use the youngster as much as possible until then.
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