Xavi Turns to Emerging Talents in Preparation for Alavés Clash
FC Barcelona, facing a tight schedule, wasted no time and returned to training on Thursday to gear up for the upcoming league match against Alavés on Saturday at Mendizorroza (18:30 h.). The session primarily focused on recovery for the players who featured in the game against Osasuna. Those who contributed goals, including Lamine Yamal, Ronald Araujo, and Joao Cancelo, worked closely with the club’s physiotherapists to ensure peak fitness for the encounter with Alavés.
Among the injured players, Iñigo Martínez continues his gradual return to the group, but it appears unlikely that he will be included in the squad for the Alavés match. His potential comeback might be slated for February 11 at Montjuic against Granada.
Raphinha is poised to make a swift return, along with Ter Stegen, who is already engaging in on-field activities under the watchful eye of goalkeeper coach José Ramón de la Fuente.
To fortify the squad, emerging talents from the youth ranks once again joined the first team, with familiar faces like Astralaga, Kochen, Casadó, Cubarsí, and Héctor Fort. This time, two forwards from Barça Atlètic, Dani Rodríguez and Pau Víctor, have been added to the mix.
New Faces on the Horizon:
- Dani Rodríguez (18 years old): Acquired from the Real Sociedad’s youth system, Rodríguez showcases attacking flair and versatility. He can potentially fill in for the injured Ferran Torres.
- Pau Víctor (22 years old): Playing for Barça Atlètic on loan from Girona, Víctor stands out as the top scorer for the reserve team with 11 goals.
As the first team grapples with injuries, the youth academy is once again called upon to address the team’s challenges, with nine players currently sidelined, the latest setback being Ferran Torres’ injury.
