Ronald Araujo suffering an injury in training after the first league game was not a very good piece of news for Barcelona. The Uruguayan is one of the most trusted players for Xavi, and his injury caused much alarm at the Catalan capital.
However, the pairing of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen has kept Barcelona from missing the Uruguayan center-back too much.
Both the Frenchman and the Dane have been impeccable in the matches when they have formed the Barcelona backline and have helped the club keep two clean sheets in the last two matches.
Araujo nearing full recovery
Now, Ronald Araujo is also reaching a full recovery from his injury, and he is expected to make the Barcelona squad for the upcoming game against Celta Vigo. But with the form that Kounde and Christensen have been showing, his return will be as much of a headache for Xavi as it will be a blessing.
There is no doubt that Araujo gives his all for the Barcelona shirt and is one of the most effective defenders in the squad. He is also the fourth Barcelona captain this season, and hence, his presence in the starting eleven is almost guaranteed. He might not start the game against Celta but is expected to do so in the later games.
Xavi to face a selection headache
Currently, Xavi has a tight schedule of games coming up, which will allow him to use all his defenders and get them significant game time. However, as SPORT notes, he will have a decision to make when more important matches come in the later half of the season when the best team will have to be fielded on the pitch.
All three of these defenders have very strong cases of making the starting eleven for the club, while Inigo Martinez has also recovered and is waiting for his first start in a Barcelona jersey. Now, it remains with Xavi to select which of these defenders to go with into the season and ensure that none of them is dissatisfied with his minutes.
