Barcelona considering calling up B team defensive starlet for upcoming fixtures

The international break has given Xavi some more time to ponder over his options as Barcelona’s injury woes have proven a major headache right before a crucial run of games for the club.

As of now, six key first-team players are out injured and there are major doubts about their participation in the games that are coming up in two weeks, not least the El Clasico which is perhaps the most crucial.

Although the Catalans have signed Inigo Martinez on a free transfer this summer and have two more solid centre-back options in Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde is a big miss.

Mikayil Faye’s time to shine

Having signed from NK Kustosija in the summer for Barcelona Atletic, reports have been overwhelmingly positive about the youngster’s contributions.

Faye’s strength, great aerial ability and pace have already caught the eye of the coaching staff, as the youngster also made the trip to the USA with Barcelona’s first team to take part in their preseason tour.

Rafa Marquez seems to have a diamond in the rough on his team and now, according to Adrian Sanchez, the Senegalese defender could soon get a chance to show what he is made of in Kounde’s absence.

He is also rumoured to have a mean shot on him, and his former teammates and coaches have heaped praise on him.

Similar come-up to Ronald Araujo

A little over three years ago, the Uruguayan also made his debut for Barcelona and thinking back to those times, the circumstances were quite similar.

Barcelona’s hands were tied due to their lack of depth and Araujo was also tipped to be a physical monster who could form a key cornerstone of the Barcelona backline, which is exactly what happened.

Under similar circumstances and with similar physical attributes, fans will be hoping that Faye can also enjoy a similar rise to prominence.

It is also reported that Faye’s on-ball abilities require polishing, much like Araujo’s initially, but defensively he seems like a brilliant player who could definitely benefit from some minutes at the highest level to test himself out.