Players of Brazilian side Chapecoense will wear a special jersey with 71 stars for their pre-season clash with Barcelona on August 7.

The 71 stars represent those who lost their lives in the club’s unfortunate plane crash in November 2016.

The footballing world was rocked in November when the jet that was carrying players and club officials to play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional crashed near the Colombian city of Medellin.

One of the six survivors of the crash, left-back Alan Ruschel is expected to play a part during the friendly tagged ‘Joan Gamper Trophy’, an annual event where Barcelona unveil their players to fans ahead of the new season.

The 27-year old Nova Hartz-born left-back required surgery on a serious back injury but is back in training in what could be described as a huge step for both the club and the player in their ‘rebuilding process’.

Confirming the development via a statement on their official website, the club said: “Chapecoense can confirm that after a joint decision by the board, the department of football and the player himself, who is fit to play, the official return of Alan Ruschel to the side will take place on August 7 against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

“Alan’s return represents an important step in his recovery and in the process of rebuilding the squad.

“Considering the magnitude of this match against a great Spanish team, in one of the temples of world football, we recognise that the game represents the ideal occasion for his return.”