Barça's alternatives to make up for Balde's probable long-term absence

They are very bad the prognoses of the FC Barcelona with Alejandro Balde that, after falling lesionado in the visit to Saint Mamés by the Glass of Rey, could say him goodbye to the season 2023/2024. Everything seems to indicate to that the player formed in The Masia could go through the operating theatre. The medical services are expecting to complete all the proofs to determine if it is 'only' a break in the isquitibiales or also has affected the sinew. In case that it was the second option, seems unfeasible that 'esquive' the surgical intervention.

The absence of the left side leaves to Xavi Hernández in a quite delicate situation, because no him 'sobran' the alternatives to play in the left-handed band. The natural replacement would be Marcos Alonso, but has been in the infirmary from principles of December by some annoyances in the back -that forced him to operate - and no expects him until mediated of February or principles of March. To the trainer culé him 'touch' take out his blackboard and bet the changes of position.

The list of alternatives of Xavi

Against the Athletic in Saint Mamés, Xavi bet by Héctor Fort for the left. It was one of the most favourable points of the Barça in the quarter-finals and signed a performance more than hopeful, although it is the second time that plays by the left-handed band. It registered five 'tackles', 87% of precision of passes (41/47), nine duels won (of 20) and three clear. It finished the crash with muscular fatigue and a titanic tiredness, but will be available for the visit of the Villarreal to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Compannys.

It is the bet more 'logical', because it is the one who has more shooting, but in the recámara will be the possibility that it play Joao Cancel by the left band. The Portuguese went in in the announcement to visit to the Athletic, but remained in the bench, without minutes, to avoid surprises with his physical state. It is an alternative more than viable, put already has stood out in said position and has been decisive, remembering his performance against the Port wine in the Champions League.

The formula to configure the defence

In case that I Cancel was the 'bet' to replace to Balde in the Barça, would leave the right-handed band so that him it 'contest' between Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé, with the alternatives of Héctor Fort and Sergi Roberto. It would be a form of 'swing' the side and have a more defensive profile, so that the offensive rises of the Portuguese no 'weigh' so much. By the contrary, if Xavi decides to bet by the player of 17 years, the right-handed band would remain for Joao and the axis of the defensive saga would contest it to him between Araújo, Koundé and Christensen, waiting for that it go back Iñigo Martínez.