FC Barcelona edge closer to their return to club football after the recent international break. La Blaugrana are scheduled to next face Athletic Bilbao at the Montjuic Stadium in La Liga. A match of extreme enough stakes, there are still certain complications for Xavi to address.
Given the various aspects of both injuries and fatigue, Xavi will likely need to opt for rotations. The Catalan giants have now turned towards the subsidiary in order to bring in more talent to support their cause. However, the recent training session of the first team has given an indication as to which players may stand a chance to feature.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Xavi’s recent Barcelona training session includes some surprises. Given the injury to Jules Kounde, it was expected that Xavi may opt for some defensive call-ups.
Defensive surprises
The likes of Pau Cubarsi and Mikayil Faye were originally expected to fight for their place against Bilbao. However, neither of the two were present for Barça’s penultimate training session before welcoming Bilbao. Instead, five different subsidiary players were involved in the training session.
Hector Fort was among those called up by Xavi. The young right-back could end up featuring as a backup to Joao Cancelo. Keeping in mind the recent injury to Sergi Roberto, Fort would be a capable backup option to Barça’s Portuguese starter.
One striker makes the cut
Marc Guiu also makes the cut for the training session, unlike Pau Victor. It seems that the younger of the two strikers has managed to catch Xavi’s attention. His incorporation is expected given the lack of offensive options heading into the Bilbao clash.
Familiar face
Ander Astralaga is another one of those who trains with the first team. Barça’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Ter Stegen and Inaki Pena, he has been involved with the Barcelona first team quite frequently by this point in time.
Midfield joker
Unai Hernandez is an 18-year-old midfielder who trains alongside the other subsidiary members with the first team. While he is a midfielder by trade, he is versatile in nature. Capable of playing both as an offensive midfielder and central interior, he is technically quite gifted. He is also capable of playing as a left winger if the coach requires it.
Senegalese recruit
Lastly, summer arrival Mamadou Fall is a 20-year-old center-back who joins the first team training. Unable to play due to bureaucratic reasons, the Senegalese defender continues to remain under the vigilance of Xavi and trains with the first team ahead of the Bilbao match.
