Barcelona running out of able bodies

One of the most successful clubs in Spain, Europe and in the World, FC Barcelona has gotten into quite a strange pickle. Boasting superstar players from top to bottom, such as Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Antoine Griezmann and of course six time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi, the team can barely name a full squad of senior players at the moment. And the worst of it, the transfer window slammed shut only a fortnight ago.

The ludicrous situation arose from the fact that both Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele were out with injuries, but the latter was deemed to return to action. Now it’s apparent that the Frenchman needs a surgery and will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Barcelona were already looking for a replacement for Luis Suarez, who also is out at least until May.

Hot prospect Ansu Fati has answered the call in the attacking end, but at 17 years old he is an unlikely regular starter. But at the moment he is the only forward behind Messi and Griezmann. Midfielder Arturo Vidal can be pushed up and it seems the Swiss-Army knife Sergi Roberto can perform anywhere on the pitch. Still, fighting for the La Liga title with their rivals Real Madrid and chasing Champions League trophy as well, Barcelona’s squad is awfully thin and under heavy load already. Not the easiest place for newly appointed manager trying to implement his tactical approach.

As a silver lining, Barcelona’s youth setup La Masia has produced some of the world’s best talent and it’s likely that the youngsters get their chance to shine, although the most prolific players were recently loaned out. Still, the likes of defender Junior Firpo, who arrived from Betis in the summer and has played in 9 games this season and midfield Ricard Puig from the youth setup with 3 senior games under his belt, will start more frequently, if only to give the forwards an occasional breather in a different formation. Playing all three forwards in three-forward formation sounds a bit too risky even for Quiquie Setien, who is known not to shy away from risk-taking.

Barcelona will face Getafe and Eibar at double home stand on 15th and 22nd February, before taking in Napoli on the road in Champions League 1st knockout stage.

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Barcelona vs Getafe (1×2): 1.44 – 4.50 – 7.00