The upcoming games for FC Barcelona will be some of their biggest tests this season. Xavi’s men are already aware of this, and will prepare accordingly. For Barcelona, in a lot of ways, the upcoming matches could dictate their season entirely.
Visiting the Benito Villamarin, the first hurdle for Barcelona up next is that of Real Betis. Coached by the legendary Manuel Pellegrini, Betis is a team that can cause La Blaugrana some real problems. It also does not help that their home stadium has been a fortress this season.
However, not everything already decided is all doom and gloom for Barça. In a way, there is also some rather positive news for the Catalan giants. As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, two familiar faces will not even be there for Barça to worry about.
Betis will not be able to rely on the services of either Abde Ezzalzouli or Chadi Riad. Both former players of Barcelona are currently occupied with the African Cup of Nations, representing Morocco in the competition. They will remain unavailable for selection at club level until at least February.
Abde, formerly a Barça player, is now fully committed to Real Betis as the Andalusian side paid a reported €7.5 million for his transfer. Riad, on the other hand, is still technically a Barcelona player. He remains on loan at Betis, but he has gained significant prominence within the team.
Moreover, with a mandatory €3 million purchase option included in the loan, it seems that Betis will most likely make use of it. However, beyond just these two absentees, Pellegrini will also have several others missing against Barcelona.
Marc Bartra, another former Barcelona player, will be missing as well. Moreover, the likes of Ayoze Perez, Guido Rodriguez, Aitor Ruibal, potentially even Juan Miranda, and William Carvalho could be a few extra absentees as well.
Another former Barça player and Champions League winner with the club, Claudio Bravo, also has discomfort as of right now. His participation is also doubtful heading into the encounter. For Barcelona, this comes as positive news, but also something that they must capitalize on.
