Barcelona’s midfield depth took a major hit during Sunday’s LaLiga match against Athletic Club, as both Frenkie de Jong and Pedri had to be substituted off due to injuries. De Jong suffered an ankle injury, while Pedri picked up his third muscle injury of the season. This setback has left Barça coach Xavi Hernández concerned about the team’s performance moving forward.
Following the 0-0 draw against Athletic, Xavi expressed his disappointment with Barcelona’s performance. He highlighted the missed opportunity to close the gap on LaLiga leaders Real Madrid and move up the table. Xavi emphasized the need for self-criticism and acknowledged that the team failed to deliver on the field.
Impact on Upcoming Matches
The absence of De Jong and Pedri in the midfield poses a significant challenge for Barcelona in their upcoming matches. With key fixtures in both LaLiga and the Champions League on the horizon, Xavi will have to make adjustments to cope with the loss of two key players. The team’s depth will be put to the test as they look to navigate through a crucial stage of the season.
With De Jong and Pedri sidelined, Xavi will need to explore alternative options in midfield to maintain the team’s momentum. The absence of Gavi, who is out for the season, further complicates the situation. Xavi may consider deploying players like Andreas Christensen, Fermín López, and Oriol Romeu to fill the void left by the injured midfielders. These decisions will be crucial in determining Barcelona’s success in the upcoming matches.
Barcelona faces a tough road ahead as they navigate through a series of challenging fixtures without key midfielders. The team’s ability to adapt to the absence of De Jong and Pedri will be crucial in determining their success in both domestic and European competitions. Xavi will need to rally his squad and devise a strategic plan to overcome the midfield crisis and keep Barcelona’s season on track.
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