Ernesto Valverde springs surprises in Barcelona XI against Levante | OneFootball

This weekend just keeps getting better and better for Barcelona fans.

The day after the club confirmed that they had signed Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, Ernesto Valverde has deemed Ousmane Dembélé fit enough to start against Levante in LaLiga on Sunday.

Valverde has previously urged patience and indicated Barça would have to be careful with their young French attacker as he works his way back from long-term injury.

The manager said of Dembélé before the match: “Everyone on the list has the possibility of starting.

“I have already said that we have to be careful with him because he has to get involved with the team’s dynamics again.”

Dembélé is not the only surprise in the starting XI as Javier Mascherano partners Thomas Vermaelen at the back amid rumours the Argentine is set to leave the club this January.

That means Gerard Piqué takes a spot on the bench next to Nelson Semedo, who is replaced by Sergi Roberto at right-back.

There is, of course, no Philippe Coutinho in the squad but the club-record transfer could make an appearance at the Camp Nou to greet the fans.