Throughout the current season, Barcelona has suffered as a result of numerous injuries to important players. Additionally, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, two more stars, suffered new injuries last night during their match against Athletic Club.
Due to an ankle injury, the Dutchman had to be removed from the game. Following it, he was spotted using crutches and a protective boot. As this was going on, Pedri’s persistent thigh problem flared up again, bringing the midfield wizard to tears.
Although an official update regarding the type and severity of their injuries has not yet been provided, there is concern that they may be out of commission for some time.
Xavi Making A Tactical Shift
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi will also need to consider his options tactically and make some changes because he is without two of his best midfield players.
In addition, it looks that the Barcelona manager will abandon his practice of starting one of his four central midfielders as a false winger in the upcoming games.
Barca News added that Xavi fielded three midfielders, De Jong, Pedri, and Gundogan, each of whom was appreciating their increased freedom after placing Andreas Christensen in the pivot midfield role in the previous games.
However, the wounds to the last two changes are now less severe.
Furthermore, it seems likely that Xavi will start three natural forwards and three midfielders.
Following the injuries, it was already in place for last night’s match against Athletic.
At first, he had decided to substitute Fermin Lopez for Frenkie and proceeded with four midfield players.
However, even though Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto were options, Xavi started Lamine Yamal in midfield when Pedri had to be replaced. Fermin moved into that position.
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This will probably be Barcelona’s starting lineup going forward until Frenkie and Pedri return, with three midfielders (Fermin, Christensen, and Gundogan) and three forwards.
While players like Joao Felix, Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres—who is almost back from injury—will compete for the other two spots, Robert Lewandowski is almost a lock to start.
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