Four Luxury Additions and One Significant Absence for Rafa Márquez

Four Luxury Additions and One Significant Absence for Rafa Márquez

This afternoon at Tajonar Facilities, Barça Atlètic will benefit from four luxury reinforcements. Héctor Fort, Mika Faye, Marc Casadó, and Marc Guiu traveled together by road Sunday morning to join the Barcelona B squad, which had arrived in Navarra the previous Saturday evening. However, the downside is the absence of Noah Darvich, who was at his peak.

None of the four players called up by Xavi Hernández for the match against UD Las Palmas played any minutes, considering also the needs of the B team and the goal of securing second place, which grants access to the promotion playoff. Héctor Fort and Marc Guiu are the most frequent participants, as they are actively involved with the first team, but they join the B team when necessary. Marc Casadó also features regularly in the matchday squads, whereas for Mika Faye, this was only his second occasion on the list against Las Palmas. He will have to wait for another opportunity to make his debut.

Whenever the first team and the B team play on different days, it is possible to participate in both matches. On this occasion, it involved a separate journey for the small group of players, covering nearly 500 kilometers, approximately 4 and a half hours, providing an opportunity to strengthen team bonds and share insights.

Crucial for a Competitive Starting XI

All four players are crucial for Rafa Márquez’s plans. Héctor Fort’s presence allows the Mexican coach to have a natural right-back in the squad and to restore the captain, Marc Casadó, to his natural position in midfield. Mika Faye is the cornerstone of the defense, especially with Mamadou Mbacke, his Senegalese partner in defense, suspended for the match against Osasuna B.

Meanwhile, Marc Guiu is synonymous with goals and often partners with the team’s top scorer, Pau Víctor, who tends to drift slightly to the left. Diego Percan, who scored the winning goal in the previous match against UE Cornellà (1-0), is serving a suspension.

Barça Atlètic aims to continue their winning streak in the clash of B teams. Out of the last 30 points, the Blaugranas have secured 27 through 8 victories and 2 draws.

Darvich, the Major Absence

However, despite traveling with the group, German midfielder Noah Darvich has been omitted from the squad. The club announced that he is sidelined due to abdominal discomfort.