Barcelona will start the La Liga season with a weakened defence. Luis Enrique, for the game at San Mames against Athletic Club, will be without Gerard Pique, sent off on Monday night in the Super Cup, and Jeremy Mathieu, who carries over a suspension from last season. It is also likely that there will be no Jordi Alba or Adriano, with both still recovering from injuries.

David Salinas

It means that for the match against Athletic (Sunday, 18.30h CET), Luis Enrique could have to go with: Dani Alves (right-back), Marc Bartra (centre-back), Javier Mascherano (centre-back) and Thomas Vermaelen (left-back).

NEW REGULATIONS

The length of Pique's ban will be decided on Wednesday following his dismissal for insulting the referee's assistant in the draw against Athletic. Rules have changed this season, which means that any serious incidents in the Super Cup will result in the player missing his side's very next match.

MATHIEU, BANNED

Mathieu is not available for Luis Enrique due to the fact he picked up his fifth booking of the season in the final match of the last campaign. It was, therefore, decided on May 27 that he would miss the first game of the new season.

Without Douglas, who is out for two months, Alba and Adriano, it leaves the left-back position in a delicate position.

DOUBTS

Alba was injured in the Joan Gamper (August 5) and the club revealed he would be out for between 10 and 15 days. Later tests than suggested it would be 15 days, not 10. On paper, he could still make the Athletic game, but it remains to be seen if he will be in the right shape to feature,

As for Adriano, the Brazilian's recovery will be looked at in the coming days and a decision made on whether he will be fit to participate in the season opener.