With the ongoing injury and suspension issues going on at FC Barcelona, the Catalan giants have been forced into a corner where they must now depend on the acquisitions brought in during the summer window for situations exactly like these.
Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo was already unavailable for selection due to injury alongside the suspended Brazilian winger Raphinha, but they are now joined by 20-year-old Barcelona star Pedri, who has just recently picked up an injury of his own.
Expected to now be out for around 4-5 weeks, Barcelona will have to compensate for his unavailability by relying on the other talented midfielders within the team. The squad already contains players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong, Gavi, and even youngsters like Fermin Lopez who can be deployed in Pedri’s stead.
However, according to Spanish journalist Javi Miguel, there exists the possibility that since Xavi considers Pedri’s influence to be one of a kind and one that is not necessarily replaceable by others within the current squad, he could look to open the folder of Giovani Lo Celso once again.
Already having been in the market for a new offensive midfielder and having seen Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lo Celso as an ideal candidate, it would not come as a surprise if Barcelona reactivate their pursuit of the 27-year-old Argentinian now that Pedri is out injured.
Lo Celso’s unique offensive attributes seem to interest Xavi Hernandez and the Barcelona coach potentially would have wanted the player at Barcelona even if Pedri had not gotten injured. It will be interesting to see if the Catalans pursue this possibility any further or decide to make do with the players already at their disposal within the current squad.