Rotations will be key for FC Barcelona in this long season ahead with several competitions to be mindful of. Xavi and his men have a taxing schedule up ahead with many formidable opponents to face. To ensure the team continues to perform at its best level, certain changes at the right time are necessary.
However, there are certain positions within the team where a natural replacement is either not available or simply temporarily unavailable. With the left-back position, Alejandro Balde has the backup option of Marcos Alonso to take over. On the other hand, Joao Cancelo’s backup is a different concern altogether.
Right-back concerns
Apart from the Portuguese fullback, Xavi could typically rely on Sergi Roberto to take over. However, due to his recent injury, even the Spaniard will not be available for some time now.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Xavi is trying to balance out how to give Cancelo rest while taking into account the available alternatives and the upcoming matches.
Between the Portuguese National team and FC Barcelona, Cancelo has already accumulated seven starts. This continues to be a strenuous schedule and Xavi hopes to be able to provide him with some rest by having another fullback take over in his stead.
French absence
Jules Kounde was the primary right-back last season for Barcelona. However, he is currently recovering from a muscular injury that will keep him out until November. However, there is a young name that Xavi has recently begun to give importance to in the first team training sessions.
Aspiring starlet
A 17-year-old subsidiary fullback, Hector Fort has begun his ascent towards first-team status. He possesses great offensive capabilities while being an intelligent fullback. As per SPORT, he has a good chance of making the final squad for Athletic Bilbao given the current casualties.
In terms of options, Xavi Hernandez spoke about tactical switches in his recent press conference as well:
“Depending on the match, we can have several variations. Tactically, it depends on the situation, and we work on it throughout the week. There are different possibilities that you have seen.”
Makeshift options
Apart from Hector Fort, the possibility of two others starting as a right back is also possible. Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde have already showcased previously that they are capable enough of holding down the right-back position.
Not the most creative of options, but they are the only first-team alternatives at the moment.
Despite these options, Cancelo remains sure of retaining his spot, however. A player with immense physicality and stamina, it is believed that the fatigue will not get to him. Even his former coach at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, had this to say about him:
Each player has to be treated differently. I needed time to understand him better. He is one of those few players who would play in the morning, the afternoon, and the night. He needs the adrenaline of playing; football is the most important thing in his life.”
Looking forward, the match against Athletic Bilbao will be a tough test for Barça. In their return fixture following the international break, the Catalan giants will want to start on a strong note. Set to take place at the Montjuic Stadium, Cancelo will be expected to start against Barça’s Basque opponents.
