Barcelona key duo likely to be rested against Athletic Club after international excursions

Work has restarted at Barcelona for Xavi Hernandez’s men. The Blaugranas stare yet another hectic month ahead in the eye after the international break, with most players having returned to training as of Thursday.

Barcelona’s first challenge of the new phase will be against Athletic Club this weekend. 

Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have returned to group training but are still slight doubts while Pedri’s involvement is also uncertain.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ilkay Gundogan, and Ronald Araujo are yet to rejoin training after long journeys from the Americas. Needless to say, the doors are open for Xavi to shuffle the cards.

Xavi to exercise caution with Araujo, Gundogan 

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Catalans were worried about the team’s three players playing in the Americas. After all, they would have to endure long journeys back home after exhausting minutes for their countries.

According to reports from SPORT, Araujo and Gundogan are thus likely to rest against Athletic Club.

Xavi Hernandez does not wish to risk the two stars and trigger any new unwanted injuries. After all, both players played 180 minutes in the hiatus.

Ter Stegen also clocked the three-hour mark but will play against the Basque side regardless. He does enjoy an off day on Thursday with the remaining two players, nevertheless.

What are Xavi’s options?

If the manager is to rest Araujo later this week, Inigo Martinez would appear best placed to replace him in the starting lineup.

After all, Jules Kounde is unavailable through injury and is not expected to return even for El Clasico.

Gundogan, meanwhile, will likely be replaced by Fermin Lopez in the middle of the park. Alongside Gavi and Oriol Romeu in midfield, the youngster will look to make the most of his chance.