Barcelona are expected to be without the services of five first-team players for Sunday's El Clasico with Real Madrid at Bernabeu.

Alejandro Balde, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti remain unavailable for selection through injury, while Sergino Dest is also out after picking up a hamstring problem during the 2-1 win over Galatasaray in the Europa League on Thursday.

Xavi is likely to make a couple of alterations from the side that started last time out, with Dani Alves potentially returning at right-back, with the Brazilian ineligible in the Europa League.

Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, could take the place of Adama Traore to feature alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres in a front three.

Aubameyang has scored seven times in 10 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival in January and will feature through the middle in a 4-3-3 formation.

Dembele is back in favour after failing to leave the club in January, and he again impressed off the bench in Thursday's narrow success in Turkey.

The midfield picks itself, with Pedri again starring in the Europa League, so Gavi will have to accept a position on the bench once again despite his impressive form this season.

There is still a question mark over Gerard Pique's centre-back partner, and the indications are that Eric Garcia will get the nod over Ronald Araujo, with the former Manchester City defender enjoying a run in the side.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, F de Jong; Dembele, Aubameyang, F Torres

> Click here to see how Real Madrid could line up for this clash body check tags ::