With the match against Alaves, FC Barcelona have gotten over a very hectic and difficult part of their calendar. The Catalans had a very tight schedule for the last month or so, in which they not only had to play more than any other Spanish side but also had to face some difficult sides like Villarreal and Real Madrid.
But now, Xavi’s men have a few days of rest ahead of them. The break till the next weekend will not only allow the players to regain their physical and mental sharpness but will also allow Xavi some time to go into the next match with more players recovered.
Inigo Martinez was already available for the match against Alaves, and Xavi has already announced that Ter Stegen will return to the squad for the upcoming game against Granada. The German has already returned to training and was also joined by another forward who had been recovering from an injury, i.e., Raphinha.
The Brazilian is expected to get the green light for the upcoming match, but Xavi will be cautious with him, especially keeping in view Lamine Yamal’s good form.
In addition to Ter Stegen and Raphinha, SPORT reports that the Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto will also recover in time for the next game.
The Spaniard had played an important role in Barcelona games before getting discomfort in his Achilles tendon of the left foot in the recovery session after the Copa game against Athletic Club.
Roberto will be looking to get as much game time in the coming months as possible because these might be the last months for him at Barcelona. His contract ends this summer, and Xavi’s, who had asked the club for another renewal, departure at the end of the season makes it very difficult for him to get this contract extended for another year.
