Barcelona sweating on forwards as injuries and suspensions keep Xavi Hernandez in suspense
On Saturday, Barcelona defeated Alaves by two goals, winning by that margin just three times since September, which was a morale-boosting victory. The one negative aspect was Vitor Roque’s farewell, who was given a second booking following Rafa Marin’s challenge.
In a contentious play, Marin dove in headfirst with his studs visible, but he got the ball before Roque, which led to Roque’s dismissal. As Marin slips through, the Brazilian’s studs make contact with him, and he receives a second yellow card. Xavi Hernandez, Roque, and the rest of his teammates look shocked by this.
The second yellow card that Roque received for “making contact with the leg of the opposition player in a reckless fashion” has been appealed by Barcelona. MD has stated that Barcelona intends to attempt to prove he doesn’t communicate with Marin through the use of video recordings.
The referee’s decision is unlikely to be overturned, and the only way to do so would be to show that there was a substantial error in the official’s notification of the foul. Although Cadiz already demonstrated this season that Javier Hernandez did not recklessly bring down an opponent player, the video must be extremely clear.
This worries Xavi since injuries have sidelined Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Joao Felix, leaving him with only Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in his forward line. The next man up is also hurt, but there’s a chance the Brazilian will return.
Marc Guiu, a striker for Barca Atletic, felt a thigh ache after getting hurt against Logrono on Sunday. Based on examinations, Sport estimates that Guiu’s muscular injury will keep him out of commission for a week. Unai Hernandez and Pau Victor of Barca Athletic could be called up to the squad for Barcelona’s home match against Granada, but MD says Guiu might be ready in time for that match.
The good news is that Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been sidelined for almost three months due to injury, appears to be close to making a comeback against Los Nazaries, as does Joao Cancelo, who was also experiencing difficulty during the Alaves game. Barcelona will now enjoy two infrequent free midweeks before facing Napoli in the Champions League again. Should Guiu and Roque be out, Xavi might think about going forward with Cancelo or Fermin Lopez.
