Ronald Koeman has opted not to include Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho, Miralem Pjanic and Alex Collado in Barcelona's squad for their LaLiga Santander opener at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.
By doing this, the Dutchman is sending a clear message to these players that they are not in his plans, with youngsters Yusuf Demir, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi and Alejandro Balde all being called up, as well as the 24-year-old B team striker Rey Manaj.
New signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia have been registered in time with LaLiga to feature, as was the case with Manaj.
Pedri will be in the squad too, despite only just returning from the Olympics after playing in 73 games for Barcelona and Spain last season.
Curiously, no player will wear Lionel Messi's former No.10 shirt, as Manaj will take Coutinho's No.14.
The other absentees
There are still a handful of players unavailable for Koeman, such as the injured Oscar Mingueza, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Aguero.
It remains unclear if Coutinho is actually carrying an injury, but the fact he was cleared to play in the Joan Gamper Trophy and then dropped out at the last minute indicates that it could be Koeman's decision.
Barcelona's squad list vs Real Sociedad
Goalkeepers: Neto, Inaki Pena, Arnau Tenas.
Defenders: Sergino Dest, Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Emerson Royal, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi.
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite, Rey Manaj, Yusuf Demir.
shimtheikumrah96
742
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
nephilim007
242
I pity coutinho. his love for Barca has almost ruined his career. he desperately needs a chance to revive his career and Barca should show him back that love in return . now that Messi is gone we can't go selling coutinho. coutinho can be that little magician that he was at Liverpool
Zinkers
20
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
You only made sense when you said he must include Puig in the starting lineup, the rest is rubbish🙄
sowcdeipsy
16
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
do you not realise how much Messi loves the club?
SkullSwagger
15
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
Supporting our club is one thing.. And disrespecting the greatest player of the club without having proper knowledge of why he had to leave is another. What you're basically trying to do is put up a fake 'oh I'm a cule' face.. But to do that by trying to insult Messi? 😂 Shameful
Heysaifi
14
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
No Club Is Bigger Than Lionel Andres Messi🐐👑 Nd Let Me Tell You That Your Puppet Club Throw Him Away Okie Now Wait Till When He Met Your Club At UCL So Be Ready😉
Omkarsinh
12
I can't sleep I can't wait to watch our new adventure without Leo So fascinating. oh! please Barca win this Match so that Messi puppet who left Barca recently could realise something. And also prove to the world that Barca is legendary Club non other player is bigger than a Club. Forcà Barca 💪💪. But one thing I want Koeman to favour our fans is that Puig include in the starting XI.
I think you have not heard the news and the conference that messi gave. He intended to stay but it was Barcelona who forced him to leave. So bro don't ever blame Leo he is a legend and will always be. Your whole Barcelona squad can't stop him from scoring 😂 Well just pray that barca don't meet psg in champions league 😂😂