Three key decisions Xavi has to take ahead of Barcelona vs Espanyol

In less than a week, Barcelona will resume their pursuit of the La Liga title as they take on local rivals RCD Espanyol in the Catalan derby on December 31.

The Blaugrana went into the World Cup break with a two-point lead over reigning champions Real Madrid. But by the time they take the field at Camp Nou on Saturday, Xavi Hernandez’s side could very well have lost their top spot with Madrid playing Real Valladolid on Friday.

Xavi has recovered almost all of his players ahead of the contest against Espanyol. Only Jules Kounde, who was part of the France side that lost to Argentina in the World Cup final, is yet to return to training at Barcelona.

But, the manager will have several key calls to make with regard to his team selection for the contest and here are three such major decisions that Xavi will have to take against Espanyol.

1. Lewandowski’s replacement

While Barcelona have a clear infirmary for the first time this season, they will still be without one player in Robert Lewandowski. The 34-year-old will be serving a three-match suspension following his sending-off against Osasuna before the World Cup break and will miss matches against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid, and Getafe.

Given how influential he has been this season, Lewandowski will be a major miss for the Catalans. And Xavi will need to find an able deputy for his ace goalscorer to ensure that the team does not slip up in the Poland captain’s absence.

Ferran Torres is an option having played as a false-nine in the past while Memphis Depay would be a natural choice, although he has hardly been used by Xavi this term. Ansu Fati is also an option for Barça, with the manager backing him to come good in the second half of the season.

2. The left-back conundrum

Heading into the game, Xavi has a problem of plenty when it comes to his options at left-back. Alejandro Balde has become the first choice this season, moving ahead of senior stars like Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso.

The 19-year-old has delivered whenever called upon and will be high on confidence after his World Cup debut. However, during the tournament in Qatar, Alba showcased that he still has plenty left to offer and can be a reliable option for Xavi, despite being overlooked in the early parts of the season.

Alonso, meanwhile, is well-rested having not participated in the World Cup. Xavi has shown tremendous trust in the ex-Chelsea ace so far and could be a serious option against Espanyol either. A major decision for the manager to make ahead of the derby.

3. To start or not to start Kounde and Araujo

Barcelona have recovered key defender Ronald Araujo, with the Uruguayan returning to group training last week and set to receive his medical clearance in the next few days. An important cog in the scheme of things, his return comes as a major boost for Xavi.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is expected to return to training on Wednesday and make himself available for the derby as well. While his two premiere defenders are set to be in contention, Xavi has a major decision to make on whether the duo start on Saturday or not.

Kounde went deep into the World Cup with France, failing at the final hurdle against Argentina. So, there will be a chance of fatigue. But given the lack of reliable options at right-back, the ex-Sevilla ace might have to be rushed back.

Araujo, however, is returning after a lengthy absence and could be eased back into action to not risk a relapse of his injury, especially with a busy New Year schedule coming up.