Barcelona star to be restored to starting XI for season’s final weeks | OneFootball

A somewhat forgotten member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona is set to be afforded a prominent role by boss Xavi over the season’s remaining weeks.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Iñigo Martínez as being the player in question.

Stopper Iñigo has of course found game-time somewhat difficult to come by over the course of recent months in Catalunya’s capital.

As much comes owing to the emergence of the prodigious Pau Cubarsí, who, despite his tender years, has wasted little time in usurping his vastly more experienced teammate in the defensive pecking order at Barca.

And yet, amid a recent slide in form on the part of the Blaugrana, Iñigo looks set to return to prominence over the weeks ahead.

As per the aforementioned Sport, Xavi remains a firm believer in the talents of the Spanish international, viewing his experience as crucial in his squad.

Amid his side’s pursuit of a 2nd-placed finish in the La Liga table, Barcelona’s headmaster in turn deems the time to be right to reintroduce Iñigo to his XI.

The former Athletic Club man is expected to join Ronald Araújo at the heart of defence for several of the final four gameweeks in the Spanish top-flight campaign.

And as much will prove significant when it comes to Iñigo’s future, too, in reiterating Xavi’s eagerness to keep hold of the 32-year-old for next season.

Conor Laird | GSFN