"Injuries, after all, have not been kind to them in any capacity and the international break will bring star players two weeks closer to a return without affecting the club's campaign in any capacity. The likes of Raphinha and Joan Garcia may well return as starters after the break, while Pedri will also move closer to a complete return after the two weeks. The game against Celta Vigo, thus, may well be one of Barcelona's last games in the current crisis state."
"Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia have been Hansi Flick's preferred options at right-back this season, and the latter's eventual shift to centre-back saw the Frenchman take over as the de facto starter in the department. While Kounde has been relatively distracted and distant from his best, he has done decently to provide cover on the flank. However, the player did not complete training earlier today and is a doubt to make it to the squad."
Barcelona approaches the international break with multiple key injuries reducing squad options and making the hiatus a necessary recovery window. Raphinha and Joan Garcia are likely to be available as starters after the break, and Pedri will move closer to full fitness during the two-week pause. The match at Celta Vigo could be one of the final games played while the squad remains in a crisis state. Barcelona's record at Balaidos is poor, highlighting the difficulty of the venue. The right-back role remains unsettled due to Kounde's doubt and Garcia's need to play with a protective mask.
Read at Barca Universal
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