FC Barcelona resumed their league campaign after the international break with a 1-0 win over Athletic Club Bilbao at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday. Xavi Hernandez’s managed side is currently in 3rd place in the league table.
The Catalans have a hectic schedule ahead with a midweek Champions League fixture and the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid next weekend. However, Barcelona is dealing with a long list of injured players. Manager Xavi provided a recent update on the squad’s condition.
Xavi gives latest update on Barcelona injuries
Barcelona had a strong start to the season, performing well in both the league and the continental competition and remaining unbeaten so far. In La Liga, the Blaugranas have played 10 matches, securing 7 wins, with the remaining matches ending in draws. Additionally, in the UEFA Champions League, they have won both of their first two matches.
The Spanish champions are leading Group H in the Champions League. In the upcoming 3rd matchday, they will face Shakhtar Donetsk at home. Anticipation is high for their most-awaited fixture against La Liga table-topper and arch-rival, Real Madrid.
Barcelona boss Xavi provided an update on the list of injured players and their chances of returning to feature against Madrid. In their recent league match, Barcelona was without key players including Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, and Sergi Roberto, who were sidelined due to injury concerns.
Xavi stated, “Kounde won’t arrive in time, and Sergi Roberto almost certainly won’t either. The rest will depend on their feelings,” avoiding any comments on the condition of the other absentees.
Xavi emphasized the significance of their upcoming Champions League fixture, stating, “It is a very important game for us. We have many injuries, and let’s see if we recover people this week. Playing at home, it is vital for us to win that match.”
Barcelona to use players from La Masia amid injury concerns
Amid the injury crisis, Xavi’s side secured a narrow 1-0 victory. It was the 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu who scored the game-winning goal for Barcelona within just 30 seconds of entering the pitch. This crucial win helped maintain a single-point gap between the table-toppers, Real Madrid, whom they face next in a decisive clash to attain a lead.
Xavi currently has only 13 first-team players available to him, with major names still sidelined. In the last league fixture, 10 La Masia players were included in the squad’s 19-man lineup. Additionally, Lamine Yamal, Marc Guiu, and Fermin Lopez, all three, have made significant contributions to the first-team actions this season.
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