The upcoming test for FC Barcelona will be a visit from Almeria in La Liga. Currently placed at the very bottom of the league table, Almeria’s season has been something far from positive thus far. However, despite the apparent ease of this opponent, Barcelona have their own problems to worry about.
La Blaugrana already enter this match with a heavily depleted squad. Many key players of the first team are currently either injured or suspended, and many of them are crucial for Xavi Hernandez. Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso, and Gavi are all currently out injured.
However, Barcelona also have to worry about Frenkie De Jong’s suspension, one that makes him unavailable for the Almeria clash. Yet, the misery does not end there.
The latest casualty for Barcelona is none other than 21-year-old Golden Boy Pedri. His muscular overload is now expected to keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks.
In his absence, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, two players in particular have a chance to shine. With both De Jong and Pedri unavailable, Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez are next in line to be given opportunities.
The 20-year-old Lopez and 20-year-old Casado are both exemplary youngsters. One primarily plays as an interior, while Casado is more accustomed to playing as a pivot. The latter is also a captain for Barcelona Atletic, and his opportunity to replace De Jong in the starting lineup could present itself against Almeria.
Additional options that Xavi could consider include Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu. However, confidence in the latter isn’t currently high. While the former Girona midfielder began the season displaying confidence in his play, his consistency has declined since then.
Roberto, on the other hand, has proven to be a reliable ‘joker’ for Xavi. His versatility can be used across the field to cover up various positions wherever his services may be needed. However, courtesy of the quality of Joao Cancelo, he no longer has to worry about playing as a right-back.
It will ultimately have to be seen what combination of midfielders Xavi chooses to field against Almeria. Ilkay Gundogan is almost guaranteed to start, but his pairings could be interesting to see.
