Xavi Hernández is torn between serious problems in completing the squad due to injuries and the need to make rotations, thinking about next week, in his preparation for the match against Athletic Club. The technician knows that the Athletic Club arrives at a good timebut he will have to prepare for the match without forgetting that the Champions League returns next Wednesday.
1
THE INJURED
Almost half the staff in the infirmary
Pedri, Lewandowski, Koundé, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha are injured. So is Lamine Yamal, although on Wednesday he completed part of the training session with the group, as did Balde, who withdrew with discomfort in the team’s first match in the recent break.
2
THE INTERNATIONAL
Great wear and tear from Gündogan and Araujo
To 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 that they will not train under Xavi until Friday. The same Araujo. Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix and Christensen did train this Thursday morning.
3
DOUBTS IN DEFENSE
Iñigo may have a chance against his former team
Thus, 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 already rotated, so the Uruguayan is the one who may need more rest. Iñigo is ready to play against his former team. On the left side, perhaps Balde as a precaution can leave his position to Marcos.
4
AVERAGE
Fermín, Oriol and Gavi, with ‘Gundo’ in the bedroom
In the average the doubt may be whether to rest Gündogan, with Fermín, Oriol Romeu and Gavi playing initially. Sergi Roberto’s injury has come at the least opportune time. The truth is that the match against Athletic seems the most appropriate to rotate the German.
5
FRONT
Almost with what I was wearing
And up front is where the shortcomings are evident. With the hope that Lewandowski will recover for the Classic, Xavi will have to trust everything to Joao Félix and Ferran and the recovery of Lamine Yamal. Looking ahead to next week, especially for the Clásico, it is not ruled out that Lewandowski could force himself.
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2023-10-19 20:35:41
#big #doubts #eleven #receive #Athletic
