As the first El Clasico of the season approaches, FC Barcelona are in deep injury crisis. It was thought that this crisis might alleviate a bit this midweek, when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in UEFA Champions League group stage action. Pedri and Raphinha (both of whom have thigh injuries), it was previously believed, would get some minutes in continental competition.
This would have gotten them back into the mix ahead of the big showdown on Saturday.
FC Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. Oct. 25, 5:45pm, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group H Matchday 3 of 6
FC Barcelona Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Barcelona 51% Draw 25% Shakhtar Donetsk 24%
Standings: Barcelona 1st, 6 pts, WW Shakhtar Donetsk 3rd, 3 pts WL
Barca Team News
Not to be however, as Xavi Hernandez is not expected to have either player available.
That is according to a report in Sport, who go on to claim that Frenkie de Jong (ankle) and Robert Lewandowski (also an ankle) are ruled out for Wednesday night as well. Meanwhile Sergi Roberto (calf injury) and Jules Kounde (MCL sprain) have also been ruled out, by the manager himself, until November.
So that means Xavi will be very limited in his options, both in the UCL midweek and in the headliner domestic clash on the weekend.
The Blaugranes will have to exploit their depth chart in order to get results, as six key players are now currently on the shelf.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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