Huge news in the world of FC Barcelona this week, as manager Xavi did an about-face on his future. During the week in between the El Clasico loss and the Monday night fixture vs Valencia, Xavi said he’ll stay on beyond the end of the season.
He told the media that he has “unfinished business” this season.
FC Barcelona vs Valencia FYIs
Kickoff: Mon. Apr. 29, 8pm, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
Barca Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
La Liga Standing: Barca 2nd, 70 pts, LWWWW Valencia 8th, 47 pts LWWDL
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Barca 70% Draw 18% Valencia 12%
Barca Team News
There is of course some big injury news this week too, as Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong (ankle injury) is now done for the season. He joins Alejandro Balde (thigh tendon rupture) and Gavi (anterior cruciate ligament tear) as out for the remainder of the term due to injury.
But other than this trio, Xavi has no availability concerns at this time. Although there are a few players who are close to reaching the number of bookings threshold that would render them suspended.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor 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.”
He currently contributes to Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMG’s NFL Wire Network and the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times. You can follow him on Twitter.