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Barcelona welcome Milan to the Nou Camp on Tuesday in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final as they look to stay on course to defend their crown.
Barca will hope a return to a smooth surface will play a decisive role in securing a semi-final spot. Last week’s 0-0 draw in the first leg at the San Siro saw Barca struggle to showcase their normal fluid football and the holders complained about the state of the pitch after the game.
Guardiola will give a late fitness test to influential midfielder Xavi, who missed training on Monday due to a calf complaint.
If Xavi fails to make it then Cesc Fabregas, who sat out the weekend win over Athletic Bilbao due to a back problem, is likely to come into the side.
Adriano returned from injury against Athletic and should keep his place as Barcelona chase just a third home win in seven meetings with Milan.
The Serie A leaders draw 2-2 at Camp Nou in the group phase when Thiago Silva scored an injury-time equaliser and Massimiliano Allegri will hope history favours his team.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is confident his side can score an away goal, but he is also aware of the dangers posed by a team which has won two of the past three Champions League finals.
Brazilian forward Alexandra Pato could be on the bench for Milan following over a month on the sidelines and he will be given a late fitness test.
Former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will spearhead Milan’s attack, with Robinho and Kevin Prince-Boateng due to provide the support.
Defender Alessandro Nesta and midfielder Clarence Seedorf are set to return to the starting XI having been rested at the weekend for the 1-1 draw at Catania.
Centre-half Thiago, who has previously been mooted as a transfer target for the Spanish champions, is sidelined, along with former Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel and Alexander Merkel.
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