Barcelona defensive gem missed training today due to illness – report

Following a narrow win against Las Palmas in the league, Barcelona will travel to Barbastro to take on Union Deportivo Barbastro for the Copa del Rey round of 32. The Catalans are the kings of the Kings’ Cup, and will hope to regain their throne this season.

Xavi will definitely rotate his team for the game, giving minutes to players who have not played enough games so far this season and youth team players. It will be healthy balance between the two due to CdR rules that require seven first-team players on the pitch at all times.

Fermin Lopez and Oriol Romeu, for example, will likely definitely be in the starting lineup. The former has been reduced to a bench role since the return of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, while the latter has been in rather poor form after a decent start to the season.

This game also gives Xavi the chance to start Vitor Roque for the first time after the Brazilian made his debut against Las Palmas. Unfortunately, though, Lamine Yamal will serve his suspension from last season and will miss the game.

Alongside him, another player in contention of being sidelined for the clash is Alejandro Balde. Reports from Victor Nahe have revealed that the Spaniard did not participate in training today due to illness.

❌Alejandro Balde no ha entrenado hoy por indisposición #fcblive pic.twitter.com/zHWWXXsGiY

— Víctor Navarro (@victor_nahe) January 6, 2024

Balde had temporarily lost his place in the team after solid performances from Joao Cancelo as the left-back, but has since recovered the spot. He put in an impressive shift against Las Palmas, as well, and with better pass timing, could have had a couple of assists.

With Marcos Alonso also out, it remains to be seen who Xavi starts as the left-back tomorrow. Fortunately for him, at least Inigo Martinez is back in training and in contention to travel and even start.