Barcelona’s chances in the upcoming round-of-16 Champions League tie against Napoli have been dealt a significant blow with the news that João Félix has sprained ligaments in his ankle during training. This injury could potentially sideline the 24-year-old forward for around a month, making him a major doubt for the first leg of the crucial European fixture.
Félix, who joined Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid, has been an important player for the team this season, scoring seven goals in 28 appearances. His absence would be a big loss for the Catalan side as they look to make a deep run in the Champions League. Additionally, the injury list for Barcelona has grown longer with left-back Alejandro Balde also ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery on a hamstring injury.
Impact on Xavi Hernández’s Plans
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández will have to deal with the absence of key players like Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, and now potentially Félix and Balde for the upcoming fixtures. This injury crisis comes at a critical juncture for Barcelona, as they try to navigate through a busy schedule that includes important La Liga matches and the Champions League tie against Napoli.
Xavi will have to rely on other players to step up in the absence of these key figures, with the hope of having defenders Iñigo Martíz and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen back in contention soon. The Barcelona manager faces a tough task in managing the squad effectively and ensuring that the team remains competitive in all competitions despite the injury setbacks.
Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
Following a disappointing 5-3 loss at home to Villarreal, Barcelona have a series of important matches coming up, including games against Osasuna, Alavés, Granada, and Celta Vigo before facing Napoli in the Champions League. These fixtures will be crucial in determining Barcelona’s fate in both domestic and European competitions, and Xavi will need to navigate through them with a depleted squad due to injuries.
The challenge for Barcelona will be to maintain their performance levels and stay in contention for titles despite the setbacks. The absence of key players like Félix and Balde will test the team’s depth and character, and Xavi will have to come up with solutions to address the issues arising from the injury crisis. The upcoming matches will be a true test of Barcelona’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity on multiple fronts.
Leave a Reply