Sergio Aguero to make first Barcelona start but Ansu Fati is ruled out of Rayo Vallecano game
Sergio Aguero will finally make his full debut for Barcelona on Wednesday evening when they make the trip to Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.
Aguero joined Barca in the summer upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract but has missed most of the season so far after picking up a calf injury shortly after his arrival.
However having come off the bench in recent games against Valencia, Dynamo Kiev and the defeat by Real Madrid, Koeman now trusts the Argentina international to lead the Barca attack from the start.
Sergio Aguero (left) is finally ready to make his first start for Barcelona after his summer arrival
Koeman’s hand for the game has been forced though, as he is unable to select promising young forward Ansu Fati who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The 18-year-old limped off near the end of the defeat by Madrid in what has already been a frustrating year fitness wise for the 18-year-old.
Fati has only just returned from 11 months out while also having had knee surgery at the start of the year.
Aguero’s opportunity comes after Ansu Fati was ruled out with a knee injury
But he has been a rare bright hope in a rocky start to the campaign for Koeman’s side having scored twice in four appearances.
Aguero is expected to lead Barca’s attack flanked by Memphis Depay and Sergino Dest as Koeman desperately seeks a win to kickstart their season.
Already Barcelona are in danger of slipping away in the title race after falling six points behind early pace setters Real Sociedad, albeit having played a game fewer.
However defeat in El Clasico at home to Madrid was a damaging result and leaves them five points behind their rivals who sit second in the table but they too have a game in hand.
With Barca down in ninth in the table, Ronaldo Koeman is under pressure at the Nou Camp
Koeman also has other injuries to contend with, including Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele.
Playing behind the Barca frontline, Koeman is expected to field a pairing of Gavi and Sergi Roberto anchored by veteran Sergio Busquets.
Newly promoted Vallecano head into the game a point and a place above Barca in the table and are expected to lead with an attack featuring ex-Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao.
