Even after having a spectacular season defensively last year, FC Barcelona have further reinforced their defensive line this season. The Catalans brought in two highly experienced and skilled players, Joao Canclo and Inigo Martinez, for this area.
Joao Cancelo was able to make an instant appearance for the club. After arriving on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, the Portuguese fullback was able to play in the Osasuna game only a few days later.
Martinez nearing full fitness
On the other hand, Inigo Martinez has taken some time to make his first appearance for Barcelona. He arrived early in the transfer window as a free agent but was suffering from injuries since his time at Athletic Club. The defender spent the preseason and the first few weeks of the season recovering from these injuries.
However, now the defender has recovered fully and made his debut for Barcelona, like Cancelo, in the Osasuna match. Now SPORT reports that Martinez has kept going on since his debut and is continuing to gain rhythm and fitness with his new team. He feels perfectly fine physically and is putting more pressure on his weak areas to ensure he is in full fitness.
Stars aligning for a starting spot
Now, it remains for the physios at the club to ascertain whether Martinez is able to go fully into action in the coming days. He can start against Real Betis this weekend or can start his first game for Barcelona in the Champions League against Royal Antwerp. Xavi and the staff are delighted by his training.
Martinez will have a golden chance to get his first start as Kounde and Christensen are returning from international duties with much fatigue and tiredness, while Ronald Araujo is not fully fit to return to the starting lineup yet. Thus, Martinez can get a start in the upcoming games.
