BARCELONA
Barcelona injury update ahead of Napoli in Champions League
There is good news for Barcelona ahead of their Champions League game against Napoli, as one of their creative attackers is set to return.
Xavi Hernández can count his blessings that João Félix is set to return to the side ahead of their Champions League game against Napoli (3 p.m. ET/ noon PT.). The Portuguese international was not part of the Barça plans just under a week ago: his recovery from a sprained right ankle was going slower than expected and it seemed practically impossible that he would make it in time for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
However, Félix has since experienced something of a ‘miraculous’ improvement in recent days, to the point that he wanted to test himself in Monday’s training session, and came away from the exercises feeling positive. This means that, if there are no last minute setbacks, the former Atlético de Madrid player will be included in the upcoming Champions League squad list. Obviously he will not be able to start, but a second half appearance is not out of the question for Xavi.
Which Barcelona players are injured?
Another player who could also return to the squad is captain Sergi Roberto, who has been out over recent days due to achilles tendon discomfort. Ronald Araújo’s particpation has also been questioned after pain stopped him playing in the 1-2 win against Celta; his participation in Wednesday’s match is not in danger, however.
Xavi will be without all of Gavi, Balde, Marcos Alonso and Ferran Torres for the tie against Napoli. Of these four players, it is Ferran who is the closest to return, and could be back in around two weeks: the return leg is a certain possibility for the Spaniard.
The Barcelona coach comes into the game under pressure: the club are no longer fighting in the Copa del Rey and, despite Real Madrid dropping points against Rayo Vallecano, the chase for the LaLiga title looks like a distant dream as things stand.
Former Barcelona midfielder, Emmanuel Petit, spoke to AS USA about Xavi’s position at the club and questioned whether or not the coach would even make it to the end of the season, as well as also highlighting the problems Xavi has had with Deco, the club’s Sporting Director. “I’ve been told that Deco has been fighting with Xavi as well on different cases” he said, “and some players as well are not happy with the way they’ve been treated by the club. It’s a big, big game against Napoli.”