The FC Barcelona squad has suffered a lot from injuries and fitness problems this season, and Xavi has rarely been able to count upon all his key players at a time. As things stand, important players like Ter Stegen, Gavi, Inigo Martinez, and Marcos Alonso are all out injured.
Furthermore, Pedri also suffered an injury while training for the match against Almeria, and will be unavailable for this match. Things will be made particularly difficult for Xavi as Frenkie de Jong is also suspended, and thus cannot take to the field.
Thus, Xavi will have to almost completely reinvent his midfield, as only Ilkay Gundogan can play from his preferred set of midfielders. Still, as Mundo Deportivo has discussed, the Barcelona head coach will have several solutions to mitigate this problem.
Oriol Romeu as pivot:
While he has not exactly inspired confidence with his last few appearances for Barcelona, but with the midfield spread thinly, he will be a good option for Xavi to deploy in the pivot position.
Fermin Lopez in the midfield:
With Gundogan and Romeu, Xavi can opt to complete the midfield three with Fermin Lopez. Lopez had some important appearances earlier in the season, but the return of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri made it difficult for him to play much recently. Now, with the Dutchman and the Canarian out, Lopez can make it to the field once again.
Sergi Roberto:
Another person who can return to the field after a long time is Sergi Roberto. He can play against Almeria in his natural position as a midfielder.
Youth players:
Xavi has called up Pau Prim and Unai Hernandez from the reserve team for this match. Prim is more of a defensive midfielder, while Hernandez is a more offensive midfielder, and either or both can get some minutes in against Almeria.
Offensive players in midfield:
The Barcelona head coach has already deployed Ferran Torres and Raphinha as midfield interiors, and they will once again be options for Xavi to complete his midfield.
