FC Barcelona is doing quite well. Before the draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in Nyon, Switzerland, the Camp Nou residents absolutely did not want to cross paths with Manchester City. If it ever happens, it will be in the final. Not before. Indeed, the Catalans, who would not have been against challenging Borussia Dortmund, will face Paris Saint-Germain next April. Quickly, the Spanish press indicated that Luis Enrique’s troops were favorites, who include in their ranks the future Madrilenian Kylian Mbappé and the former Barcelona player Ousmane Dembélé.
The rest after this ad
The injured will soon return
Despite everything, the Blaugranas do not intend to appear as victims against the French champions. On the contrary, they have arguments to put forward, having been undefeated in 10 matches in all competitions. They rely in particular on several talents which can cause harm as indicated by a journalist fromThe beach bar Start of the week. “You (Mbappé) will know Cubarsí. We have to tell Cubarsí and the young people that they can do it against Mbappé or whoever. (…) When Mbappé sees Cubarsí, Fermín, Héctor Fort, he will say: “I want to leave here”.”
Read Barça: Xavi’s sanction revealed
The match is therefore already underway on the other side of the Pyrenees. On the front line, Xavi is also preparing for this double meeting against PSG. AS explains that his first concern is to know which players he will be able to recover among those who are in the infirmary. The Iberian media explains that the Blaugrana medical staff told them that Ferran Torres (hamstring) and Frenkie de Jong (sprained right ankle) would be recovered and fit. Ditto for João Cancelo and Andreas Christensen, who were absent against Atlético de Madrid.
The rest after this ad
An eleven is already taking shape
On the other hand, no certainty concerning the presence or not of Pedri (right thigh). The staff does not want to take any risks with the environment, which continues to stay in the infirmary. If he ever gets back on his feet, it still seems complicated to see him join Xavi’s eleven. The Spaniard already has an idea of the team that will start on April 10 against Paris, if of course the Culés are spared from injuries and the famous FIFA virus. Unsurprisingly, Marc-André ter Stegen will keep the goals with a defense in front of him made up of Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo and João Cancelo.
To win the midfield battle, Xavi risks aligning Christensen, to provide power and solidity. He will accompany Ilkay Gündogan and Frenkie de Jong. In attack, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are sure to start. On the other hand, Xavi hesitates between Raphinha or Ferran Torres, who will return from injury. The Brazilian seems to have the advantage but his coach has not yet decided one way or the other. The Barça coach hopes to win the round in Paris with this team combining youth and experience. But his plans could change again in three weeks…
Pub. 03/21/2024 4:00 p.m. Updated 03/21/2024 5:07 p.m.
2024-03-21 15:00:48
#Xavi #plan #bring #PSG
