Dani Alves Returns from Injury as Barcelona Rest Star Names for APOEL FC Clash

Dani Alves will return from injury to help FC Barcelona begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the right way against APOEL FC. However, the veteran right-back will be one of the few familiar faces on show against the Cypriot side, as manager Luis Enrique plans to rest key figures.

Among those to sit the game out will be left-back Jordi Alba and holding midfielder Sergio Busquests. ESPN writer Dermot Corrigan provided the full list of players given a night off by Enrique:

Alves will likely have a key role to play in a back four missing Alba and Mascherano. New signing Douglas is available, but Enrique will need Alves to use all his experience to marshal things at the back.

The 31-year-old has been passed fit after recently recovering from a knee injury, per FCBarcelona.com. Despite his age and recent fitness woes, Alves remains a key member of Barca's back line.

His raids forward are essential to the way the team build its attacks. But Alves' recovery speed and defensive instincts, often criminally underrated, are just as important. Enrique will be glad to get such a key defender some valuable playing time.

Away from the defence, the omission of Busquets could create an interesting selection dilemma for Enrique at the base of midfield. He could opt for talented new boy Ivan Rakitic to play a more withdrawn role. However, the Croatian schemer should be given license to venture further forward.

Instead, Enrique might be best served giving a start to coveted wonderkid Sergi Samper.

The 19-year-old stylish, deep-lying playmaker is currently being tracked by Premier League side Arsenal, per Catalan newspaper Sport (h/t Daily Mirror writer Ben Burrows).

However, Enrique has managed to keep Samper around via the promise of first-team chances this season, according to Daily Mirror reporter John Cross:

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Arsenal boss Wenger was after the now 19-year-old midfielder three years ago, when he signed Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral from the Spanish giants.

But Samper decided to stay put and he will still take some persuading, as his priority is to make Barca's first team squad.

Samper has impressed for Barcelona B and now wants to push on after new manager Luis Enrique told him he will get a chance with the seniors this season.

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A home fixture Barca will be expected to win in the Champions League group stage is the perfect opportunity for Enrique to deliver on his promise. There won't be much pressure on Samper to carry the fight to a team likely awed by Barcelona's illustrious reputation and considerable quality.

As Enrique's team should dominate possession, Samper will have a good opportunity prove he can fit seamlessly into the trademark Barca passing game.

Even with players rested, Enrique will expect to win this match. He'll know his team needs a strong start in a group also featuring Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Enrique will also know resting a few key players is a wise policy ahead of Barcelona's upcoming La Liga double-header away at Levante U.D. and Malaga.