Four Lewandowski alternatives for Xavi as Barcelona superstar serves a three-match ban

Barcelona restart their campaign next weekend when they play hosts to Espanyol. The Catalans, who are leading the league table, are looking to continue their excellent start to the domestic campaign with another victory at home.

However, Barça’s road has been made tougher by the absence of Robert Lewandowski. The star striker is set to begin the first of a three-match suspension against Espanyol, after the Catalans’ appeal was denied by the RFEF Appeals Committee as well as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Lewandowski, who is the leading goalscorer in La Liga this season, will also miss the following games against Getafe and Atletico Madrid.

Here, at Barça Universal, we will take a look at four alternatives Xavi can employ, in his bid to replace Lewandowski for the next three La Liga matches.

Ansu Fati

Ansu Fati has endured a slow start to the season. Since returning from his long injury layoff, the forward has shown his potential in glimpses so far but has been unable to carve out a place in the starting eleven.

But with Lewandowski out, Fati could be an excellent option in the number nine role. Although the youngster is primarily a winger, he is blessed with goalscoring instincts and already has 22 competitive goals to his name for FC Barcelona.

Fati’s speed and efficiency in front of goal could prove to be useful for Barcelona in the coming matches. It should also provide the player with the opportunity to get his season up and running, after a slow start.

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres does not offer the same qualities as someone like Fati. But the forward is much more experienced when it comes to operating in a central role and has often played the false nine role for the Spanish national team.

While he does have the tendency to miss the odd goalscoring opportunity, the former Manchester City starlet has an excellent sense of positioning. He is gifted with technical abilities as well, meaning he can add another dimension to the Barcelona frontline.

Memphis Depay

A wild card option for Xavi, in his bid to replace Lewandowski in the coming matches, could be Memphis Depay.

Although largely shunned by the Barcelona manager in his first-team plans, Depay is coming on the back of an excellent World Cup. He boasts a lot of experience at the highest level of football and from a tactical perspective, he is the ideal backup for Lewandowski.

This is because the Dutchman has extensive experience playing in a central role. He can be quite lethal in front of goal as well, which makes him a great candidate for leading the Barcelona frontline in the next three league matches.

Victor Barbera

If the first-team options were not enough, Xavi also has the choice of deploying youngster Victor Barbera. The 18-year-old native of Barcelona is currently plying his trade with the U19 setup, but he has found immaculate success at the youth level.

Barbera notably scored seven goals in just four UEFA Youth League matches. He has proven himself an effective goalscorer, with an ability to perform at the highest level of football.

However, given the magnitude of the clashes, coupled with the player’s lack of experience, Barbera is unlikely to be considered by coach Xavi, though the teenage sensation can certainly be a part of the senior squad in the near future.