Owing to the injuries and suspensions of some key FC Barcelona players, the squad announced by the club for the upcoming Mallorca game was significantly different from the one that traveled to face the Athletic Club.
Both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong had to leave the last game midway because of the physical issues suffered by them. Furthermore, Xavi and Araujo also received bookings from the referee, which means they are suspended for the upcoming La Liga game.
While this situation is far from ideal for Xavi and the team, one player who will be looking to take advantage of this is the Barcelona Atletic defender, Mikayil Faye. As Mundo Deportivo has noted, he has already been named for the first time in a senior team squad for the Mallorca match.
Barcelona brought the young center-back from NK Kustosija Zagreb in the last summer transfer window for €1.5 million. The youngster has gelled in well in his new surroundings since then and is one of the key parts of Rafa Marquez’s Barcelona Atletic defensive line.
Earlier in the season, Faye saw one of his partners in defense, Pau Cubarsi, getting promoted to the first team. Cubarsi has put in very impressive performances under Xavi and is now a first-team player for all intents and purposes.
Now, with this opportunity, Faye will be looking to showcase his own talent at the highest level in Spain and will be hoping to get on the pitch in this upcoming match.
As Araujo is suspended, and Xavi might also decide to rest Kounde for the upcoming Napoli clash, Faye getting some minutes on the pitch cannot be ruled out.
But as the team cannot take any more risks in the La Liga race, it will depend on the specific circumstances of the match whether Xavi decides to allow Faye to make his debut tonight.
