Barcelona may rotate squad for Champions League match (Preview)

Barcelona, Dec 5 (IANS) FC Barcelona may rotate their squad against Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach as they look to end the group stage of the Champions League football on a positive note here on Tuesday.

They have to shrug off the disappointment of conceding a last-miute goal to settle for a 1-1 draw against traditional rivals Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday, reports Xinhua.

The frustration of coming so close to winning yet unable to do so was palpable at the Camp Nou stadium on Sunday.

But coach Luis Enrique can use the Borussia game to channelise the disappointment to greater resolve among the fringe players who can get a chance if key players are rested.

Barcelona are already assured of qualifying from their group as group winners and as such Tuesday offers a chance to rest some tired legs, while bringing other players up to speed.

Brazilian forward Neymar misses the game through suspension and Enrique will give former Valencia striker Paco Alcacar another chance to score his first goal for the club since his arrival to the club at the beginning of the season.

Meanwhile following his impressive return to action from injury in the last half hour of the match against Real Madrid, midfield maestro Andres Iniesta will be given the chance to build up match fitness ahead of the weekend trip to play Osasuna in La Liga.

Rafinha or Denis Suarez could also be given the chance to stake a place in midfield ahead of Ivan Rakitic, who has been out of sorts of late.

Samuel Umtiti will also start as he also looks to return to full fitness, although it is not clear whether Gerard Pique will be his partner in central defence, or whether young defender Marlon will be given a chance to impress following a series of convincing displays for the Barcelona B-team.

Barcelona can count themselves slightly unlucky not to have beaten Madrid on Saturday, but the fact is the side is still underperforming, with their traditional flowing football appearing only in fits and starts.

Enrique needs Iniesta back to his best if the Champions are to recover both their confidence and their style.

--IANS

sam/dg