FC Barcelona and Spanish National Team duo Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres have struggled for game time in recent matchdays. Both players are of a proven caliber in terms of talent but have thus far failed to capitalize this season when they have been awarded the chance to.
According to the reports from Mundo Deportivo, the duo will likely start together against 16th-placed Cadiz in FC Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga Santander clash. Both players arguably have a chip on their shoulders that they would want to wiggle away from by making the most of the remaining chances that they get.
Reportedly, at the very least one of the two is bound to start, given the need to both rest some crucial players as well as rotate due to an ongoing injury and suspension issue for certain players. Should Xavi Hernandez opt to go with the more traditional 4-3-3 with two out-and-out forwards on either side of Robert Lewandowski, it is expected that both Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres will start, with the in-form Raphinha being given a bit of a breather.
On the contrary, should Xavi decide to stick with his more experimental yet effective formation that incorporates 4 midfielders rather than the conventional 3, either one of Ferran or Fati will end up starting the game.
With the injury to Ousmane Dembele and Pedri, Xavi will undoubtedly tread with care when it comes to the physical fitness of his players. Given that Raphinha is the only true “pure” winger that Xavi has at his disposal right now, he would be wise to extend some caution towards the Brazilian as to not lose him out to a potential injury as well given the quality of matches up ahead.
Up next, Barcelona travel to Old Trafford to complete their Europa League play-offs against Manchester United, and the availability of his absolute best players will be crucial in dictating the flow of that European clash.