18-year-old Barcelona midfield prospect could make the squad list against Real Betis

Following the two-week hiatus due to the international break, FC Barcelona will return to action tomorrow when they take on Real Betis at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Unlike in the past, Barça have not had to deal with any major injury worries occurring during the international break and Xavi has almost all of his players available for selection.

Xavi could include Unai Hernandez in squad list

However, the manager does have a few absentees, especially in midfield as Pedri is still a month away from returning to action while Fermin Lopez is suspended after his suspension during a game for Barça Atletic.

And, even though Ilkay Gundogan is not injured after his fall during Germany’s clash against France, Barcelona are unlikely to take any risks with him.

As such, Sergi Capdevila of SPORT is reporting that Xavi could name young midfielder Unai Hernandez in the Barcelona squad list against Real Betis.

The 18-year-old has been training under the first-team manager’s commands this week and was one of two Barça Atletic starlets to be involved in sessions yesterday.

Marc Casado was the other player, who has been a regular fixture in the squad list for the first team this season. And for Saturday’s clash, he could be joined by Unai Hernandez as well.

An exciting, versatile talent

Unai Hernandez, 18, joined Barcelona’s youth setup in 2021, after impressing in the Girona academy.

The versatile operator shines with his ability to play between the lines in the attacking half of the pitch and could be a good fit in Xavi’s 4-3-3 setup.

Even though he is a midfielder, the teenager has been utilised as a left winger at times by Barça Atletic boss Rafa Marquez this season, scoring one goal in three games.

A debut might be unlikely on Saturday, with Marc Casado having a greater chance of getting minutes, but Unai Hernandez could relish the opportunity of being in the matchday squad for a first-team match.