Betis vs Barcelona: Umtiti In For Lenglet; Dembele Ruled Out

Ousmane Dembele will not be in action for Barcelona when they lock horns with Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday night.

Ernesto Valverde has one major casualty from the most recent encounter that his side featured in.

There is some good news with Thomas Vermaelen passed fit to return by the Barca medical staff.

The Belgian centre-back has not made the travelling squad to take on Real Betis, with Valverde having his regulars at his disposal, meaning he misses out alongside fellow defenders Jean-Clair Todibo and Jeison Murillo.

While Pique features whenever he is fit, the other spot at the heart of the Barca defence tends to be a toss-up between Umtiti and Lenglet these days, which should continue, meaning Umtiti starts on Sunday.

There should be one more change in the back four, with Nelson Semedo replacing Sergi Roberto, while Jordi Alba should complete the defensive line that will provide cover to first-choice custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

In midfield, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets pick themselves in just about every game at this stage of the season despite the possible need of a rest.

The third spot should be taken up by Arturo Vidal, with Valverde continuing to manage Arthur's game time smartly, especially seeing the recurrence of Ousmane Dembele's hamstring injury.

With Dembele ruled out to face Betis on Sunday, Philippe Coutinho should line up on the left side of the Barca attack once again, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez taking up the remaining two positions, as usual.

Betis Vs Barcelona Line Ups

Betis (3-4-2-1) Line Up