Barcelona are dealing with the fact that they likely won’t have a natural left-back available until March, but there is some good news on the injury front.
Most Culers will feel that Barcelona have been dealing with injuries all season and Gavi’s absence is certainly hitting them hard. However, manager Xavi Hernandez defended the club’s medical and conditioning staff, saying their numbers were above average.
“There were very few muscle injuries. We are below the levels of other clubs. We have had traumatic injuries from hernias, cruciate… We have young people who meet the standards. The path to follow is the other day in Bilbao. We are proud of the spirit shown by the team.”
The positive news is that Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on the way back. After back surgery, the German goalkeeper trained on grass for the first time today. Diario AS They say he will be back for their Champions League clash with Napoli on February 21st, there is reason he could be back as soon as against Granada on the 11th.
“Are well. He has made a textbook recovery and is feeling well. He will be with the team soon,” Xavi told the press.
Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo made the squad for their trip to Athletic Club on Wednesday, but Xavi confirmed he would return against Villarreal.
“He will be in the team tomorrow. He has a lot of character and desire to play. He is wonderful as a person, he has many human qualities and as a professional. I’m happy to have him in the team.”
🚨 Xavi Hernandez: “Villarreal are not doing very well, but Marcelino’s teams are always prepared.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 26, 2024
But the crushing blow this week was the injury to Alejandro Balde, who damaged his hamstring and tendons against Athletic. Balde could try conservative treatment and see if he can return in a month or two, but Xavi confirmed the club was recommending surgery at the end of the season.
“Now we met with him. We recommend that he undergo surgery and we are with him. We advise him in the best possible way and that he decides the best for him. It’s a difficult time for him.”
With Marcos Alonso also having back surgery, Xavi will be without a natural left-back until he returns. Joao Cancelo has played well there in the past, and well, but equally it leaves them without a senior right-back. Jules Kounde is likely to switch to right-back, while youngster Hector Font also impressed against Athletic, and has played on both flanks.