The current state of the Barcelona injury list is one that the Catalan giants are not exactly thrilled with. Several key stars are currently unavailable for selection and it has proven to be a great dilemma for Xavi Hernandez. With important games up ahead, the reports thus far have not been promising.
Prior to the much anticipated El Clasico on the 28th of October, comes a UEFA Champions League encounter. Barcelona will welcome Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk to the Montjuic stadium for their third group-stage game. Speaking ahead of the game, Xavi was asked about the state of the injured players, as highlighted by SPORT.
Addressing the squad list
In the pre-match press conference today, Xavi addressed the current status of the sidelined players. Asked about the absence of all the injured stars from the squad list for Shakhtar, he was questioned about a possible return date for them:
“They are not at one hundred percent, and for this reason, they have not been included in the list. We will monitor their progress; I am optimistic about recovering some of them for the classic.”
Pedri’s absence
Next, the Barcelona coach was directly questioned about Pedri. Previously expected to be available for this game, his exclusion from the squad list was rather unfortunate. Xavi provided his reasoning as:
“There hasn’t been a setback. Simply, the sensations are what they are, as indicated by the player in day-to-day activities.”
Cautious with selection
Barcelona also have to worry about the possibility of a relapse. Given Pedri’s history of recurring injuries, Xavi was quick to point it out as being one of the major concerns.
“We try to avoid a relapse, which would be very difficult for everyone, so we proceed with caution. We are within the timelines we deemed appropriate from day one.”
Barcelona remain determined
Despite these injuries and other problems, Xavi provided a guarantee. He will continue to help his Barcelona side perform better and these occurrences now have to be lived with regardless of how disadvantageous they are:
“It’s not ideal, but it’s the situation that has been presented to us at this moment. It is what it is, and this is what we have: injured players, Gavi suspended… but we’re not here to complain, but to play better than in the first half the other day. Having many players unavailable won’t be an excuse.”
Barcelona face off against Shakhtar Donetsk on the 25th of October this Wednesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 CEST, and Barcelona will be hoping to take away all three points.
Nearing their qualification to the Champions League round of 16 for the first time since the 2020/21 season, Barça will be eager to ensure that they can do so in a dominant fashion.
