FC Barcelona could have reinforcements for next Saturday’s game against Real Sociedad.
FC Barcelona could have what would effectively be ‘new signings’ for next Saturday’s away trip to Real Sociedad, according to SPORT.
The Catalans are currently licking their wounds after losing El Clasico to Real Madrid 2-1.
They dominated their bitter rivals for at least an hour at the Montjuic Stadium following Ilkay Gundogan’s early opener, but then succumbed to a stunning double from Jude Bellingham completed deep in stoppage time.
Barca went out on their shield with a team that was severely depleted thanks to a series of injuries to high profile stars.
They did manage to recover Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski for the world’s biggest derby, however, with the Brazilian and Pole giving the Blaugrana a creative spark in the second half along with Lamine Yamal.
Saturday’s defeat left Barca in third place and four points behind leaders Real Madrid plus overachievers Girona.
This makes next weekend’s assignment at Real Sociedad a must-win, and Xavi longs to recover two other big names who should be fit for the tie according to SPORT.
During his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of El Clasico, the head coach teased the returns of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong but refused to give a definitive answer on when they could be seen in action again.
Barca haven’t done too badly in their absence, with yesterday’s defeat their first of 2023/2024 while it has been three wins from three in the Champions League.
Without De Jong by his side in midfield, however, Oriol Romeu’s form has plummeted and Xavi didn’t trust the summer signing enough to act as a loan pivot as Gundogan was instead given the assignment.
Gavi and Fermin Lopez have been excellent in an attacking midfield unable to boast Pedri, but there are few better at linking play than the number 8 who has been routinely compared to Xavi’s former dancing partner from his playing days Andres Iniesta.
Everything will depend on how the duo trains and feels midweek. To avoid slipping further behind Madrid and Girona, however, Barca can’t afford to take anything but maximum points from Anoeta in less than a week.