#team-selection

#team-selection

Lamine Yamal is back in the Barcelona squad against Real Sociedad, but will have to wait to make his return having been named on the bench. Yamal has missed Barca's last four games because of a groin injury, his absence coming after he controversially took painkillers to play for Spain during the most recent international break. But he is fit enough to play some part against Sociedad, though Hansi Flick's decision to keep him on the bench is likely one made with an eye on the visit of Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Bayern will be without Jamal Musiala, who suffered a serious leg and ankle injury at the Club World Cup. He is joined on the sidelines by Hiroki Ito (leg), Alphonso Davies (knee), and Raphael Guerreiro (ribs), leaving Kompany with limited options at left-back. Despite Nicolas Jackson being eligible to face his parent club, Harry Kane is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Luis Diaz, who has scored in each of his first three Bundesliga outings.

Liverpool's colossus at the back has been an ever-present in the team for so long that it is hard to imagine a competitive Liverpool defence without him. He will likely partner with Ibrahima Konate, given Liverpool's lack of signings at centre-back, namely the missed acquisition of Marc Guehi. Konate has had a rough start to the season, but came good against Arsenal. It is always reassuring to see van Dijk by his side.

We're evaluating player fatigue. There's a factor here we have to consider, and that could affect our strategy. I'm gathering input from players who have played under these conditions, since I don't have much personal experience. The national team, however, has played there many times - it's nothing new for Brazil. Our plan is to adjust both the strategy and the players.

"Then we will make the choice to try to get the best starting XI to win the game."

Mack Hansen is expected to miss the first Test against the Wallabies due to a foot injury, impacting his chance to join the Lions.

India is weighing the decision to include Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test, considering pitch conditions and energy reserves ahead of the next match.

Zak Crawley, despite a tough series before Christmas, could still find a way into the Test against Zimbabwe due to his strong past performances against India and Australia.