TEAM NEWS: Busquets starts in defence for Barcelona against Celta Vigo

Nov 3, 2012 4:22:00 PM

The midfielder has been called upon again to fill in at the back as Tito Villanova's defensive woes continue with Pique and Puyol sidelined

Sergio Busquets has again been called upon to play in defence for Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The Blaugrana are without defensive regulars and long team absentees Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique at Camp Nou, meaning that Busquets will line up alongside Javier Mascherano, Adriano and Jordi Alba in the home side’s back four.

David Villa’s return from his long injury layoff continues with his third straight start, after also beginning the matches against Alaves and Rayo Vallecano. He will be joined in attack by Pedro and Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile for the visitors, Samuel and Naxto Insua have both been ruled out through injury, while Gustavo Cabral is suspended following his dismissal in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo.

Carlos Mourino has recalled a number of first team players to his XI after fielding mainly reserves for the 2-0 Copa Del Rey loss to Almeria midweek, and will be hoping that his regulars will be able to lead his side to their first points on the road this season.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Adriano, Busquets, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Cesc, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.

Celta Vigo (4-5-1): Varas; Mallo, Tunez, Cabral, Lago; Lopez, Oubina, Fernandez, Krohn-Dehli Aspas; Bermejo.

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