Luis Enrique will rotate against Levante as Dani Alves returns to action for Barça

Luis Enrique will rotate against Levante as Dani Alves returns to action for Barça

Everything was set for Dani Alves to return to the pitch against Celta Vigo at Balaidos on Wednesday. That was the game marked in the diary since he was injured in August against Athletic Club and ruled out for four weeks. However, circumstances have obliged Luis Enrique to modify his initial plan and to ask for Alves to return earlier. The Brazilian accepted without any problem his manager's request. 

And so Alves's comeback has been brought forward. On Sunday he was given the all-clear by the medical staff to return to action and was named in Enrique's 18-man squad. Including Alves, Lucho only has 17 members of his first team avaialble to him (Gerard Gumbau, from Barça B, completes the numbers). 

Luis Enrique was very clear about Alves when asked about him in his pre-match press conference on Saturday. "It's one of the best bits of news this week." His inclusion in the squad is considered a blessing. Alves will return against Levante and Gerard Pique will be back against Celta, with his four game ban ending after the Levante match. Barça are expected to use Alves from the first minute at Camp Nou. 

But why the ugency to throw him back in when Sergi Roberto has done such a good job at right-back? That's a question many of our readers will ask. Well, it's to give a break to a players in midfield who has accumulated a lot of minutes already this season. We're referring to Ivan Rakitic and Andres Initesta, above all the latter, one of whom is likely to start on the bench, allowing Roberto to be re-employed in midfield. 

That is not the only rotation expected by Luis Enrique against Levante. He could also give a rest to players such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, who has played practically everything this season. 

These rotations would allow players who have not featured much this season -- such as Adriano, Bartra, Sandro and Munir -- the chance to play some minutes. In fact, the first three could start. Barça's schedule means they are obliged to make changes to avoid burning out their regular starters. It will be the case on Sunday and it will be the case next weekend, against Las Palmas at Camp Nou.