Inaki Pena will replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barcelona lineup against Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday.
Barcelona will look to keep pace with the front-runners in La Liga when they lock horns with Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday afternoon. But Xavi Hernandez has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gavi is the latest absentee after he picked up a long-term knee injury during the international break. The Spaniard has seen his season come to a premature end. In addition, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is unavailable due to an issue with his lower back.
The first-team regulars have joined Sergi Roberto on the sidelines. But there is some good news, as Frenkie de Jong is fit and available, with Xavi including him in the travelling squad to take on Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
Xavi spoke about Gavi’s injury during his pre-match press conference. He said, “It is a significant loss, a disgrace, he is an irreplaceable player because of the passion, desire, and courage he puts in. He is a player who contributes a lot to us and tomorrow is a game where we would precisely need Gavi.”
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“I have spoken with him, I had the personal experience that made me a better footballer, more mature. I was aware that I had to take care of myself a little more, do prevention when necessary, and take care of the details. From there I became more professional. Don’t skip any recovery days, recover as best as possible. It’s very important to recover well.”
Xavi also discussed ter Stegen and de Jong during his presser. He said, “Tomorrow Marc [Andre ter Stegen] will not be able to be there and all the confidence in Iñaki Peña, who is 100% prepared. We have noticed Frenkie’s loss when he has not been there, like Pedri’s. He is 100% fit, he has been with the group for days and is available.”
The fit-again de Jong will not start, with Xavi easing him back into the thick of the action. So, Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Fermin Lopez should form the midfield trifecta, with the latter taking up advanced positions.
As for ter Stegen’s replacement, Inaki Pena will make a rare start, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him. The backline should feature Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde. Finally, the offensive unit should remain unchanged, with Lamine Yamal and Joao Felix accompanying Robert Lewandowski in the attack.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, Pedri, Fermin Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
