The race for the top spot in La Liga intensifies, as FC Barcelona host Girona on Sunday. Xavi will go into the fixture without some crucial players, however, he would be delighted with how the team performed in the last match against Atletico Madrid – particularly the midfield.
A name that could’ve been added to the list of sidelined players was Raphinha, as he did not train with the rest of the squad on Thursday due to muscle fatigue and overload.
Millions of Cules around the world and Xavi himself would’ve feared for the worst but they can now breathe a sigh of relief as according to a recent report from Spanish outlet SPORT, the Brazilian winger was part of the training session that took place on Friday.
Offensively, Raphinha is one of the first names on the team sheet due to his ability to make pacy runs and his technical ability. He is a pivotal player for Xavi and his injury would’ve been a setback as FC Barcelona have been marred with injuries to important players this season.
Moreover, several youngsters from the subsidiary were also part of the training session that took place. Furthermore, the belief is that Xavi will field the same playing XI that played the match against Atletico Madrid last week – which was undoubtedly a morale-boosting victory for the Catalans.
Girona, on the other hand, have been a revelation this season as they’re surprisingly keeping up the pace with league leaders, Real Madrid and both stand at 38 points as of now.
With the defense and midfield looking fairly settled, La Blaugrana would require the trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Joao Felix to be at their best because the forward line has not really fired up front, with them blowing hot and cold so far this season.
