Depay and Dest back in Barcelona squad for Granada clash

Memphis Depay and Sergino Dest have returned to Barcelona’s squad for Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Granada.

Both players have been absent since Barca’s 3-0 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on December 8.

Depay has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Dest – a reported January target for Bayern – has struggled for fitness and recently tested positive for coronavirus.

However, Dest tested negative on Friday and was part of Barca’s travelling party for their showdown at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.

Gavi and Alejandro Balde have also recovered from COVID-19 lay-offs, while Ez Abde is included in Xavi’s 23-man squad for the first time this year.

Depay’s return in particular is a huge boost for Xavi as the forward’s 10 direct goal involvements this term – eight goals and two assists – is double that of any other Barca player.