![Barcelona's Spanish coach Xavi looks on during a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match against SSC Napoli at the training center in Barcelona on March 11, 2024.](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fbl-eur-c1-barcelona-training-6-scaled.jpg)
It is important for FC Barcelona to continue planning ahead in several departments. The case of their transfer window is already apparent, but they also do so in a sporting sense. With some key fixtures coming up ahead, Barcelona already have a plan of action.
The primary match for which they have already made advancements is the clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Ligue 1’s primary powerhouse at the moment, the Parisian club is the rival Barcelona has to clash against in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
However, to combat their French rivals, Barcelona have to contain one man no matter what. That man is none other than Kylian Mbappe, one of the world’s very best forwards and a possible Real Madrid recruit next season.
While it looks to be a daunting task, it appears that Barcelona are still confident. According to Mundo Deportivo, the key to stopping the Frenchman, at least from the perspective of Barcelona, is to have their key defenders back from the international break at their best level.
Thus, two of the most important pieces become Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde. Previously, both of them received injury scares that ultimately turned out to be nothing more than precautions. With the Frenchman, an ankle injury was being reported that has since been assured to have been nothing severe.
On the other hand, Ronald Araujo has already returned to Barcelona from the Uruguayan camp. While Kounde remains with the French National team, Araujo has already returned to the club due to worry of overload and because Marcelo Bielsa does not want to risk an unwanted injury.
However, it is not just Araujo and Kounde who will be crucial for Barcelona. Even Pau Cubarsi, who continues to break records and shine with Spain and his club, is expected to return back in his best form and continue to help Barcelona.
Before they can ultimately travel to Paris to take on PSG, Barcelona must first clash against Las Palmas. Even with Xavi Hernandez suspended for the game, it is a fixture that must still end in victory for La Blaugrana if they want to keep their La Liga hopes alive. However, no matter how much they try, the PSG clash will remain an active thought in the mind of Barcelona.