Barcelona’s eight options at right-back following injury spree – report

Barcelona have endured a difficult international break, with key players such as Ronald Araujo and Hector Bellerin picking up injuries. They have been sidelined for some time, leaving Xavi Hernandez helpless.

The right-back department, in particular, has taken quite a hit, especially following the injury of Bellerin. In addition, Barça also lost Jules Kounde and Araujo, both of who were capable of operating in the wider defensive role.

With that in mind, Barcelona now have limited options in the right-back position, with Sergi Roberto becoming the primary choice. The veteran midfielder is coming back from an injury layoff but his experience makes him the most reliable option in the position.

Barcelona, though, run out of alternatives for Roberto. One option could be Alvaro Nunez, who is the main right-back in the Barça Athletic team that has produced a host of first-team players in recent years.

Elsewhere, Barcelona have a few makeshift options in the form of Eric Garcia. The former Manchester City starlet is a versatile player, but him operating at right-back could lead to a lack of offensive pressure from the flanks.

Meanwhile, even Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso can be deployed at right-back if necessary, though only as a last-resort option.

Alternatively, Barcelona coach Xavi could change his gameplan altogether by shifting to a back three. The Spaniard has done it in the past, though with Araujo ruled out due to injury and Gerard Pique struggling with a lack of prominence in the squad, Xavi is more than likely to continue with a back four.

Barcelona do have a few more youngsters in their ranks, who can potentially replace Bellerin in the first team. One of them is Marc Casado, who is a favourite of Xavi, while Barça Athletic manager Rafael Marquez has urged the first-team head coach to try his luck with Alvaro Sanz.

All of these youngsters have performed well in the youth divisions of Spanish football, but whether or not they get first-team opportunities over the coming month remains to be seen.

Source: Edu Polo (h/t FCB World)