FC Barcelona is disconnecting for a few days to return more strongly to the fight for Champions League. After the disappointments in the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and LaLiga, the Catalans will try to conquer Europe before making a clean slate in the summer window, and the decisive match on August 8 is already at their head. Despite the slight advantage, everyone knows that against him Naples a final is played.
Quique Setién will not have it easy to make an eleven guarantees, since it has several confirmed important losses. During the visit to San Paolo, Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal fell, who will not be able to participate in the round of 16 when they are sanctioned, and it was also known that the injured Ousmane Dembélé will not arrive in time for international commitments and that Martin Braithwaite not registered.
Fortunately, the coach has encountered several ‘signings’ in recent weeks that could facilitate his work. Obviously, it is not about incorporations as such, but it is about footballers who could enter the lineup or offer answers to the unknowns of the azulgrana. Nobody at Camp Nou expects a simple match against the Italians, but that does not mean that motivation and confidence are not at their maximum.
In the medulla, the Cantabrian recovers Frenkie de Jong and you have good news with Sergi Roberto and Riqui Puig. After several weeks in the dry dock, the Arkel man picked up pace in the last LaLiga games and hopes to be in full condition in August. Although it has not yet reached its peak of performance, it is clear that it is essential. Likewise, that of Reus has shone again acting as an interior, and that of Matadepera has taken a step forward when it is most needed. With the help of Ivan Rakitic, this plot shouldn’t be a headache.
Up front, Ansu Fati has been relaunched, and could be an alternative depending on the state of Antoine Griezmann. Macon’s was knocked out due to a muscular mishap, but he is working alone and doctors have predicted that he will have the green light to measure the partenopeos. In any case, with Leo Messi and Luis Suárez as indisputable, the youth squad has made the cut in his last appearances and could give freshness to 4-3-3, in which, as already mentioned, there are no more pure forwards available .
Finally, and counting that the Gallic is more fixed than novelty, the last solution would be that of Ronald Araújo, who has consolidated his promotion by giving rest to Gerard Piqué and Clément Lenglet. Samuel Umtiti should be the bodyguard for the two starting centrals, but his physical frailty is an obvious danger. The Uruguayan’s latest performances have calmed fans and experts, who know that Rivera’s will be ready if they need him after a temporary return to the subsidiary, which is fighting for promotion to the Second Division.
Barça trusts in the Camp Nou
Despite the recent setbacks that have given it a touch of attention, Barça are confident in the strength of the Camp Nou for the Champions League. It is true that the absence of public weakens the field factor, but it is also true that the 1-1 of São Paulo offers a slight advantage that must be taken advantage of. First you have to do your homework against the Italians, and then think about the final phase of Lisbon and Bayern Munich.
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