Barcelona take on the massive hurdle of Real Madrid in their upcoming league fixture. Already having a rather lengthy injury list, the Catalans can not afford any more casualties. Keeping that in mind, Xavi Hernandez may have to switch things up for the upcoming Champions League game.
Their next opponent, right before Real Madrid in El Clasico, will be Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian side will be their third test in the UEFA Champions League this season. However, it will have to be the game in which Xavi rests a key Barcelona defender.
Champions League rest
Alejandro Balde, according to SPORT, will be rested against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Spaniard showed some signs of limping at one stage of the recent Athletic Bilbao clash, but recent tests have been promising.
Showcasing that there is no significant injury, it is mainly just fatigue and possibly cramps. However, Xavi has shown that he will take no risks unless absolutely necessary.
Even against Athletic, he replaced Balde at the first sign of trouble. Against Shakhtar, he was already expected to be rested either way regardless of this development.
Looking to El Clasico
Barcelona, as SPORT reveals, are confident that Balde will be at full fitness to face Real Madrid. Xavi will also be hoping to recover Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Pedri in time for the clash. Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto remain indefinitely out for the game, while Frenkie De Jong’s development is still under observation.
Other rotations
Against their Ukrainian opposition, Balde may end up not being the only key player rested. Ilkay Gundogan, as the report suggests, maybe another one of the major stars rested due to the accumulation of minutes already with both Barcelona and the German National team.
The upcoming Champions League clash is not seen as a decisive outing. Having won their two opening group games already, Barcelona have a bit more breathing room in the competition. With La Liga being as cutthroat as it gets, every single game is being taken extremely seriously.
