Just when it seemed like Xavi‘s problem at Barcelona could get any bigger, things have taken a turn for the worse. Two significant setbacks have further exacerbated his predicament, impairing the team as they advance into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The dynamic duo of Joao Felix and Ferran Torres will be conspicuously absent from this critical match because of unavoidable injuries.
After disappointing exits from the Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League was seen as a potential opportunity for Xavi Ball to shine retroactively in what turned out to be a testing season. However, these injury developments have introduced another layer of complexity that could potentially jolt those aspirations.
The never-ending injury worries mounting up for Xavi!
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In a recent report by respected Barcelona-based journalist Marta Ramon Gorina, it was confirmed that Joao Felix and Ferran Torres will regrettably be absent for the first leg against Napoli. Two weeks ago, the Catalan Giants revealed that the Portuguese forward had suffered a sprain in his right ankle ligament during training. It precluded him from participating in three La Liga matches. And now shall inevitably result in an omission from another game against Celta Vigo as well as the Champions League’s Round of 16 first leg.
🚨🎖️| JUST IN: João Felix and Ferran are OUT for the first leg against Napoli. [@marta_ramon] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/dSLBJOZh4D
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 13, 2024
Shortly after this announcement, news emerged of Ferran Torres’ subsequent injury. Reportedly, he damaged his right hamstring biceps femoris muscle, five minutes into his encounter with Osasuna. Now, it appears the Spanish winger has not yet reached full recovery and is set to miss upcoming matches.
Unfortunately, Xavi’s injury concerns do not end there. Elsewhere on FC Barcelona’s casualty list resides Gavi and Alex Balde, who are already out for the season due to a cruciate ligament rupture and thigh injury, respectively. Added to this existing concern is Sergi Roberto, who is currently recuperating from an Achilles tendon injury, along with Marcos Alonso, nursing a back ailment. Neither player is projected to return before month’s end.
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It is evident that Xavi’s final season with the club is proving to be quite challenging. The combination of injury concerns and the weight of expectations has exacerbated the situation for him. A conversation the 44-year-old had with celebrated manager Pep Guardiola reflects these pressures.
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Barcelona’s boss can’t cope with mounting pressure
Prior to formally disclosing his intention to relinquish ties with Barcelona at the end of this season, there was an exchange between Xavi and Guardiola. Reflecting on their discussion, the Barca legend said, “I’ve talked about it with Guardiola as well. There’s a lot of pressure here. It feels like every day it’s a matter of life or death.”
Unfortunately, for now, it seems as though circumstances are not favorably unfolding for him. Only a future course can ascertain what lies ahead in store for Xavi. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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