Xavi Hernández is torn between the serious problems of completing the squad due to injuries and the need to rotate, thinking about next week, in his preparation for the match against Athletic Club. The technician knows that the Athletic Club came at a good timebut he has to prepare for the match without forgetting that the Champions League returns next Wednesday.
1
THE HURT
Almost half the staff in the infirmary
Pedri, Lewandowski, Koundé, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha are injured. So did Lamine Yamal, although on Wednesday he completed part of a training session with the group, as did Balde, who withdrew with discomfort in the team’s first match of the recent break.
2
THE INTERNATIONAL
Great break from Gündogan and Araujo
In this panorama, we must add that Gündogan and Ter Stegen played every minute of the German team’s two friendlies in the United States and they will not train under Xavi until Friday. The same Araujo. Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix and Christensen trained this Thursday morning.
3
DOUBTS IN DEFENSE
Iñigo may have a chance against his former team
So, in defense there are two doubts: one, giving rest to Araujo or Christensen, who in fact did not play against San Marino, so he has rotated, so the Uruguayan may need more rest. Iñigo is ready to play against his former team. On the left side, Balde may, as a precaution, leave his place to Marcos.
4
AVERAGE
Fermín, Oriol and Gavi, with ‘Gundo’ in the bedroom
Normally, the doubt would be whether to rest Gündogan, with Fermín, Oriol Romeu and Gavi playing from the start. Sergi Roberto’s injury came at least at the right time. The truth is that the match against Athletic seems the most suitable to rotate the German.
5
FRONT
Almost what I’m wearing
And on the front you can see the shortcomings. In the hope that Lewandowski recovers for the Clásico, Xavi will have to entrust everything to Joao Félix and Ferran and the recovery of Lamine Yamal. Looking forward to next week, especially for the Clásico, it is not ruled out that Lewandowski could force himself.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
