23-year-old Barcelona forward a strong candidate to start against FC Porto | OneFootball

Barcelona returned to winning ways after their midweek misstep against RCD Mallorca, as they secured a 1-0 win over Sevilla last night.

However, it was not all good news for Barcelona on Friday as they lost yet another key member of the squad to an injury.

Indeed, Raphinha picked up a thigh injury in the first half and is now expected to be sidelined for close to a month, creating a vacancy in the attacking line at Barça.

Ferran Torres a strong candidate to start

Barcelona are set to face a tough challenge against FC Porto in their second UEFA Champions League Group H match of the season next Tuesday.

And, manager Xavi Hernandez has a big decision to make with regard to his starting options for the game in Portugal.

Robert Lewandowski and Joao Felix are pretty much guaranteed to feature from the kickoff, leaving the right flank as the question mark.

Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal will be competing for the spot and SPORT is reporting that the former is a strong candidate to start against Porto.

The 23-year-old has been enjoying a good season so far after all the speculations regarding his future in the summer.

Xavi, on several occasions, has praised his mentality and has cited him as an example in the dressing room.

Torres over Yamal?

Lamine Yamal had a fine match against Sevilla and had a hand in the only goal of the night. But Torres too made an impact after coming on as a substitute against the Andalusian outfit and was involved in the move for Sergio Ramos’ own goal.

Xavi has, on multiple occasions, spoken about not burdening Yamal at this age while also talking about how he needs wingers who can put in the hard yards defensively.

As such, for the Champions League clash against Porto, the former Manchester City ace could be the preferred option owing to his work rate, and greater experience in the intense atmosphere that the Champions League brings.