Barcelona boss Xavi explains Vitor Roque’s lack of minutes vs Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Xavi has provided an explanation for the lack of game-time afforded to Vitor Roque in the club’s latest outing.

Barca, of course, marked their return to action a short time ago, welcoming Real Sociedad to Catalunya for a La Liga clash.

When all was said and done, the Blaugrana emerged on the right side of the result, thanking goals on the part of attacking pair Lamine Yamal and Raphinha for an eventual 2-0 triumph.

And yet, post-match, many of a Barcelona persuasion were left unsatisfied once more.

As much came owing to the fact that another of the club’s attacking stars, namely Vitor Roque, remained glued to the bench for the entirety of the 90 minutes.

Frontman Roque has of course seen his future thrown firmly up in the air of late, amid mounting claims that the Brazilian could be moved on in the summer.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle at Montjuïc, the subject of Roque’s latest snub was in turn put to the aforementioned Xavi.

And, in his response, Barca’s headmaster went on to reveal that the 19-year-old in fact picked up an ankle injury in training over the weekend:

“He was a doubt until the last minute due to a blow to the ankle. He was wrapped in cotton wool. That’s why he didn’t even warm up.”

Pressed further on his plans for Roque for next season, Xavi added:

“We will make our decisions at the end of the season and internally.”

Conor Laird | GSFN