Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez faces injury crisis ahead the Champions League clash this Wednesday and the El Clasico next Saturday.
Ahead of the third round of mid-week Champions League fixtures, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is fazed by the persistent injury woes that has affected his side this season.
The final two months of the year comes with a packed schedule and it appears that barring any miraculous turn of events, none of the injured players would be available when they welcome Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League tomorrow night.
According to a report by Sport, it is highly unlikely that any of the six injured players will make a swift return to action. While it was initially reported that Pedri Gonzalez could make time to return to on-field action for the Athletic Club match, the Blaugrana are thought to be unwilling to push for his recuperation.
On Sunday night, 17-year-old attacker Marc Guiu scored with only his second touch to give the Blaugrana a 1-0 victory over Athletic Club. However, he was only on the bench due to the injury crisis.
With Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde ruled out of El Clasico next Saturday by Xavi, there is some hope that Raphinha and Pedri Gonzalez could both make the dugout later this weekend in the El Clasico. Whereas, Robert Lewandowski’s return is looking increasingly doubtful as time runs out and Frenkie de Jong is almost certainly ruled out.
Consequently, Xavi is left with no choice but to make do with the resources at his disposal. His squad selection for Shakhtar is expected to closely resemble that of the previous encounter against Athletic Bilbao, with one exception.
Unai Hernandez cannot be registered for the Champions League as he has been with the club for less than two years, which is a mandatory requirement for inclusion in the A-list.
However, players like Hector Fort and Marc Guiu are eligible for registration. It’s also anticipated that Marc Casado, who is already on the list, will be included.
