Xavi Likely To Replace Christensen With Marcos Alonso For Barcelona Against Real Madrid
Barcelona were dealt with a major blow at the start of the international break as key defender Andreas Christensen picked up an injury.
Barcelona later confirmed that the Dane had picked up a calf injury during the game against Finland, which led to his substitution during the first quarter of the match. He was subsequently ruled out for a period of three to four weeks.
This means Christensen is set to miss out on the upcoming Copa Del Rey semifinal second leg against Real Madrid, just after the international break.
Barcelona were heading into the game with a 1-0 lead, but with Christensen, along with both Ousmane Dembele and Pedri ruled out, Xavi has a key decision to make, as far as team selection is concerned.
According to Javi Miguel, everything indicates that Xavi is likely to opt for Marcos Alonso as a replacement for Christensen in central defence. The Spanish fullback, despite not being a natural at centre-back, will be preferred ahead of Eric Garcia.
The former Manchester City starlet has fallen out of favour under Xavi this season and has even been linked with a move away from Camp Nou.
Alonso is expected to form the central defensive axis with Jules Kounde, with Ronald Araujo, as usual, set to operate at right-back. The former Chelsea star will have a key role in stifling the Real Madrid frontline and offer solidity at the heart of the Barça backline.
Retaining a clean sheet, after all, will guarantee a place in the final for Barcelona as they look to thwart their traditional rivals for a fourth time since the turn of the year.
