Luis Enrique has confirmed Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan will be involved in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie against Espanyol.
The first leg of the Cup fixture takes place on Wednesday at Camp Nou, a few days after the sides played out a goalless draw in the League at Cornella-El Prat, and Lucho was asked about the team’s approach to the meeting.
“We want to be better than at Cornella. We’re going to take it as if there was no second leg,” he replied, AS reports, before moving on to the summer signings who are now able to debut with Barca’s transfer embargo lifted.
“Arda and Vidal look very good to me. We’re happy they’re available and they have the opportunity to participate. Neither of them know how many minutes they’ll get.
“They will have the chance to debut. They’re able to play 90 minutes and the GPS data we have speaks for itself [regarding the fitness of the pair].
“They’re very versatile. Arda can play in the middle or on the wing. Vidal can play in three positions, from wide in attack or defence or inside.
“Their quality is more than remarkable and defensively they can contribute a lot.”
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s name was raised amid reports the goalkeeper is unhappy at a lack of playing time and speculation of a move away.
“I’m the one who decides who plays. I don’t guarantee anyone the starting position,” Enrique pointed out.
“[Claudio] Bravo isn’t guaranteed in the League and I think it’s better this way. Last year showed that you can rotate and win trophies, although it isn’t usual.
“Whoever plays [on Wednesday] doesn’t mean they’ll play in the return or won’t play in the League.”
