The latest updates concerning the physical condition of Barcelona’s players have assumed a rather somber tone. Injuries continue to afflict Xavi Hernandez’s squad persistently, resulting in ongoing instability within the club.
After their recent triumph over Athletic Club, the 43-year-old manager confirmed that two of his players would be out of action for an extended duration. This unfortunate circumstance exacerbates the difficulty of having only 13 first-team players at the disposal of the La Liga giants, as reported by Fotmob.
As they approach a pivotal juncture in the season, including an upcoming clash against Real Madrid, Barcelona’s outlook is becoming progressively grim.
However, in the face of these challenges, a ray of optimism shines through as they prepare for pivotal encounters in the season, notably a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture.
The hero from last weekend’s match against Athletic Club is slated to continue as part of the first team and mark his debut in the UCL.
Barcelona had to rely on the contributions of their 17-year-old academy sensation, Marc Guiu, to secure a vital three points against Ernesto Valverde’s team.
The Spanish U-17 international, who impressively delivered a pass from Joao Felix, beating the charging Unai Simon within just 30 seconds of his inaugural first-team appearance, is now expected to remain accessible to Xavi and the club’s first-team coaching staff for an extended period. This information was reported by Barca Universal.
Guiu’s presence, especially after his remarkable performance as the leading scorer in the recently concluded U-17 European Championship, arrives at a crucial moment for Barcelona. This is in light of the fitness concerns surrounding striker Robert Lewandowski and the distinctive dynamism he brings to the club’s offensive play, which differs somewhat from the qualities of alternative forward Ferran Torres.
Sadly for Xavi, it’s uncertain whether he can rely on the young prodigy’s assistance beyond this month. This is because Guiu is undoubtedly a top choice for Hernan Perez, who is selecting Spain’s squad for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.