Barcelona defender doubtful for Bayern Munich clash | OneFootball

Bayern Munich discovered a new peak under the management of Hansi Flick, winning six titles in a year and matching Barcelona’s incredible record. The team has since been handed to Julian Nagelsmann, who has done a brilliant job at maintaining their peak.

Facing Bayern is undoubtedly a nightmare for any club across the continent, more so when your name is Barcelona. Ghosts of past and present haunt Barça as they head into the the final round of the Champions League group stages to play at the Allianz Arena.

The task, as daunting as it is, seems to grown much harder, as SPORT reports that Xavi will likely be without starting left-back Jordi Alba on the night.

While he has been included in the travelling list, the Spaniard finished the game against Real Betis with discomfort. Consequently, he could be see the light of the bench against the Bavarians.

Xavi does not have ample options to replace Alba, either. He could go for a like-for-like switch and bet on Alejandro Balde on the left, or he could switch it up and use Ilias Akhomach as a pseudo-wingback.

Although, Sergino Dest is one player who has been deployed as a left-back multiple times in his (admittedly short-lived) career. Oscar Mingueza could fill at right-back at the same time.

Bayern are amidst an injury crisis themselves, and will be without at least six players tomorrow night, including Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, Eric Choupo-Mouting, Michael Cuisance, Marcel Sabitzer, and Leon Goretzka.

Barça must be at the peak of their powers tomorrow night, with the pressure on Xavi to field the best possible lineup with the best strategy.