FC Barcelona are arguably about to enter the most crucial stretch of their season. The Catalan giants are set to face off against formidable opponents that hold a massive stake in two major competitions. With Porto, Atletico Madrid, and Girona coming up, Barcelona will need to be fully prepared.
As training continues and will take place again ahead of the Champions League encounter, Xavi has to make the final decision for his starting eleven to take on Porto at the Montjuic Stadium. With several rotations having taken place in Vallecas, some names become clear favorites.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there are two guaranteed starters for this game. Interestingly, both hail from South America as well. MD believes that Ronald Araujo and Raphinha are now almost guaranteed to enter the call for the Barcelona starting eleven.
Having arrived after everyone else from the international break, both players were understandably exhausted. As a result, they were originally rested against Rayo and started from the bench. Ultimately, Xavi had to count on Raphinha to come in given the tricky situation of the game.
However, Araujo remained on the bench and did not come on despite warming up near the end. Consequently, it is now seeming more and more likely that it was done in order to give them enough of a breather before the Porto clash.
The Uruguayan had five consecutive starts for Barcelona prior to this Rayo game. Moreover, he played extensively with his National team as well during the international break. Xavi needs him against Porto, and even more so at his best.
Other players, such as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Sergi Roberto, also bring updates. The German is still a doubt for the Porto game while the Spanish veteran is now back in training. The latter’s return provides Xavi with a new versatile option that can be utilized both as a midfielder as well as a right-back.
