Barcelona will be without a number of first team players when they play against Girona
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has issued a worrying injury update ahead of the team’s Catalan derby against Girona in LaLiga.
Barcelona suffer injury blows ahead of Girona clash
The Blaugrana have the chance to move 15 points ahead of their closest challengers, Real Madrid, at the top of the league table.
Real Madrid dropped points in their 3-2 loss against Villarreal on Saturday, giving the Blaugrana a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table if they beat Girona on Monday.
They will have to beat Girona without some of their best players, however, with winger Ousmane Dembele, defender Andreas Christensen, and midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong all set to miss the Girona fixture.
Christensen and de Jong are expected back in the squad soon, but Pedri and Dembele have more concerning issues and, according to Xavi, might not be back with the team until further notice as their recoveries have suffered setbacks.
Xavi reveals concerns about Pedri and Dembele injuries
Ahead of the Girona tie, Xavi was asked about Pedri and Dembele returning, and he replied, “The sensations are not good. We don’t want to take any risks. Their feelings will mark their returns.”
Pedri and Dembele were key members of the Barcelona team before getting injured, and the team has struggled to create chances and control games in their absence.
Luckily for Barcelona, they have a healthy lead in LaLiga and will not be playing under pressure against Girona or indeed for any of their remaining league fixtures.
Meanwhile in other Barcelona news
Barcelona coach Xavi has revealed his side have quickly ‘turned the page’ since being humiliated by Real Madrid in the recent Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.
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Xavi says Barcelona 'fully focused' on LaLiga after Real Madrid defeat
Barcelona coach Xavi has revelaed his side have quickly ‘turned the page’ since being humiliated by Real Madrid in the recent Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.
Speaking ahead of the Girona clash, he said, “We’ve turned the page and we’re now fully focused on La Liga.
“When we were knocked out of the Champions League, we made a pact to win the league, it’s the fairest competition because it gives you the work of the whole season. We are focused on the eleven games.”
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