Unlike Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traoré, Dani Alves will not play for FC Barcelona in the Europa League.
Someone had to be hit. Because UEFA regulations stipulate that only three new arrivals may be registered for international competition during a season, FC Barcelona had a choice. Dani Alves, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres or Adama Traoré – the Catalans had to do without one of them.
They opted for the now 38-year-old returnee from Brazil, who still brings considerable value in the game with the ball, but defensively now shows some deficiencies.
In contrast to Dani Alves, Ousmane Dembelé is nominated, even though it is possible that the Frenchman, who is willing to leave, will not be used at FCB. However, due to the aforementioned regulations, he was not considered as a candidate to replace the veteran.
In the knockout round play-off before the Europa League round of 16, Barça will face SSC Napoli on 17 and 24 February. In La Liga, the team of legendary player Xavi is currently one point behind 4th place – so they are still somewhat on course for the Champions League, where they already failed in the preliminary round this season.
