FC Barcelona continue to face the consequences of having absentees in crucial games. Already struggling to keep up with their top rivals in La Liga, the last thing that La Blaugrana needed was even more players being unavailable. However, that is the unfortunate reality for FC Barcelona as they face off against Almeria.
Heading into their next match in La Liga, Barcelona are taking on 20th-placed Almeria. However, the Catalan giants will have to play without the services of Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
The Barcelona captain is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards following the one he received against Valencia and is set to miss the encounter.
Consequently, Xavi Hernandez is now facing an entirely new dilemma ahead of Barça’s next game. Given the injury to Gavi as well, the natural options to replace Frenkie De Jong become limited.
However, according to AS, there are four main contenders who could look to take over. Oriol Romeu, aged 32, is the most likely option for Xavi to use as an orthodox replacement. Romeu’s inclusion as a pivot could allow someone like Ilkay Gundogan to play a more advanced role.
Another option for Xavi to consider would be young Fermin Lopez. Quite a different profile to that of De Jong’s, but a unique one in his own right. His dynamic approach to the game could allow the Barcelona coach to integrate some energy and tenaciousness into his side against Almeria.
Apart from the two Spaniards already mentioned, there is also a third. Sergi Roberto is a seasoned veteran and the first captain of FC Barcelona, so his inclusion could also be studied. His more careful approach to the game coupled with his versatility to play across the field could give Barcelona a new dimension.
Lastly, there is also the prospect of possibly playing Raphinha as an interior. Having already played in that position on a few occasions before, Xavi definitely has something planned for the player from that specific role. This would also open up the attacking positions for both Joao Felix and Ferran Torres to potentially start simultaneously.
