Xavi finally will not have Gerard Piqué for tonight’s meeting. The Catalan central defender, a fixture in the eleven of the Barcelonahas not overcome the adductor longus tendinopathy of the left leg that he suffered in the first leg against Eintracht of the Europe League. The technician of terrace will not have either Ronald Araujo, since the Uruguayan international defender is sanctioned. The former midfielder loses two basic men from his rearguard in an important game in his league aspirations: tie the second position without discarding the first.
Gerard Piqué He did not enter the squad list yesterday and did not even train with the group. Perhaps he will already be recovered for Thursday’s clash against Real Sociedad. But tonight, against Cádiz, Xavi Hernández will have to choose between Eric Garcia, Lenglet and Mingueza. Samuel Umtiti He is also on leave, since although the Frenchman is already training with the group, he still has not been discharged.
Fragility
Éric García is entering the plans of the Terrassa coach, he has participated in 30 games in all competitions, but neither Óscar Mingueza nor Clément Lenglet are getting many minutes. Everything indicates, in any case, that the former Manchester City player will form alongside the Frenchman. “He is an example, one more guarantee in defense,” Xavi said yesterday about the former Sevilla professional. The sides will be occupied, a priori, by Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. Dest, however, competes with the Brazilian to move on the right.
Barça, without Piqué and Araujo, is obliged to improve its defensive records. The Catalan team has conceded five goals in the last two games. Xavi, in fact, referred to this fragility yesterday at a press conference. “You improve by working. You have to insist so as not to fit in easily. We have to grow in all aspects,” he commented. *l
Rotations
Barcelona faces a week with three very demanding games, in which the second position in the table is at stake and not losing sight of the first, Real Madrid, hence Xavi Hernández is meditating dosing some of his men. In addition to the changes required by sanction or injury, the coach plans to introduce some variations, especially in the forward line. Dembélé could leave his place to Adama and Aubameyang to Memphis Depay. Everything indicates that Ferran Torres will remain on the left wing, although the Valencian also drags many minutes.
