Ferran Torres will replace the injured Robert Lewandowski when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Barcelona will look to inch closer to the Copa del Rey final when they lock horns with Real Madrid in the semi-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night. And Xavi Hernandez has new concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Robert Lewandowski is unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury. The Polish striker has joined Ousmane Dembele and Pedri on the sidelines. In addition, Andreas Christensen suffered a knock on his ankle during training on Wednesday. The Danish defender is a significant doubt but is willing to take painkillers to play against Real Madrid.
But there is some good news, with Ansu Fati regaining fitness and making it to the travelling squad. Christensen is also a part of the group. But it is unclear if the Danish defender will be fit enough to feature against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Xavi spoke about Ansu Fati’s progress. He said, “Today he has returned to training with the group and it is great news that it was just a bruise. He looks very happy and motivated and that is important.”
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Xavi also addressed questions surrounding Pedri. He said, “He is a key player for us, he makes a difference with goals and passes and gives us that tempo that we need in the middle. He is a very important loss for us, like Dembele or Lewandowski. Pedri is a key player for the team.”
In Pedri’s continued absence, the midfield trifecta of Sergio Busquets, Franck Kessie, and Frenkie de Jong picks itself. In addition, Xavi will employ his trademark midfield quartet featuring Gavi, as he so often does in big games.
But Gavi will start on the left flank and often take up advanced positions. As for Lewandowski’s replacement, Ferran Torres will likely spearhead the Barcelona attack. And Raphinha will complete the offensive unit, with Ansu Fati being an option on the bench.
Meanwhile, Christensen will accompany Ronaldo Araujo in the central defensive partnership if he is fit enough. But Eric Garcia should replace him if he does not secure a medical green light. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde should be the full-backs, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen taking his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Garcia, Balde; de Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Torres, Gavi
