Barcelona expected to receive medical boost in defence ahead of Almeria clash

October was inarguably the most important month of Barcelona’s season, with multiple trips in the Champions League, El Clasico, and key fixtures against top six sides in the league, too.

Unfortunately, Xavi barely had the privilege of playing his best team – in any of these fixtures, as the international break came with a host of problems. Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde were ruled out with muscle injuries, Memphis Depay with a hamstring, and Frenkie de Jong picked up a knock as well.

Soon after, Andreas Christensen was also sidelined with an ankle problem, and has missed more than a fortnight’s worth of matches. However, according to Javi Miguel, the Danish defender is expected to return in time to face Almeria this weekend.

This serves as a huge boost for Xavi and co., especially after both Kounde and Eric Garcia picked up injuries against Valencia last weekend, and had to be substituted off.

While the duo are expected to make it back in time for the game, Xavi would love to have the choice of more than three.

Gerard Pique and Marcos Alonso filled in central defence against Viktoria Plzen, but were anything but convincing as the Catalans conceded two goals against the Czech side.