Barcelona coaches to face major selection dilemma when key players return from injury

Frenkie de Jong’s unavailability has been difficult for Barcelona to deal with, as testified by their recent form.

After a second-half collapse in El Clasico, which resulted in a 2-1 defeat, Barcelona barely managed to grasp a win against Real Sociedad thanks to Araujo’s late header, and yesterday they endured a 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk.

The coaching staff anxiously awaits Frenkie’s return, as the expectation is that he will be fully fit after the conclusion of the upcoming international break.

Sooner rather than later, he will be back in the starting XI, but Xavi faces a major selection dilemma when the Dutchman finally recovers from his ankle injury.

Xavi has decisions to make

Once De Jong returns, he will undeniably take over the reins of the midfield alongside Gundogan and Pedri. Even so, Xavi will have to choose between Gavi or Felix for the fourth midfielder role.

The coach is bound to face a selection headache with the two players having showcased many positive performances this current campaign.

Deciding who gets the axe will be a hard call to make, considering the pair’s worth.

Joao Felix was dropped against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as Xavi aimed to give him some time to reset after goals started to run dry for him in the final third.

Gavi’s consistency

Meanwhile, Gavi continues to be one of the biggest assets for Xavi, especially off the ball. But as a fourth midfielder or winger, the youngster is often deemed uncomfortable and in unfamiliar territory.

Gavi’s performances previously in such a context have sparked criticism, and thus his position will have to be taken into consideration with the arrival of Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman’s absence has hurt Barcelona greatly, and a spot for him in the XI would almost be reserved on his return.

As such, one of Gavi or Felix will eventually have to be the sacrificial lamb, with their demotion in the pecking order largely set to come down to form.