Barcelona summer signing set to benched against Shakhtar Donetsk

After grinding out a difficult win against Real Sociedad in hostile territory, Barcelona prepares to resume their Champions League journey to solidify their first-place position in Group H.

The Catalan giants have three games left to play in the group stages of the competition and face off against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Volksparkstadion tomorrow evening.

Xavi is reportedly eager to reshuffle his starting XI as he aims to provide a break to some of the regular starters while also utilizing his prominent bench strength.

Joao Felix expected not to start

Indeed, according to SPORT, one of the starters who may be removed from the lineup is Joao Felix.

The Portuguese began his Barcelona career with flying colors, immediately making a solid impression when he gained his first start against Real Betis. Since then, his place in the XI has not been in doubt.

Despite the goals and assists drying up, his performances have produced sparks of brilliance, with intelligent passes and movements a common occurrence.

However, as a Blaugrana forward, output in the final third is essential, and Felix has indeed started to lose steam as of late. Spells of misfortune in the final third and a dwindling appearance on the scorecard imply a break is impending.

Felix in need of a rest

Consequently, the coaching staff aims to provide rest to Felix and allow him to recoup, considering his immense workload lately.

The Portuguese has participated in up to 14 games within the past two months – Three with Portugal and 11 with Barça, where he has started every game since making his debut against Real Betis on September 16.

Over the past sixty days, the attacker has amassed 954 minutes in total.

Barcelona have gradually begun to recover most of their injured players, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski returning to fortify the frontline.

As such, rest for Felix is far more convenient now, especially in the Champions League, where Barcelona are in a relatively comfortable spot.