Barcelona defensive mainstay could be rested vs Sevilla to keep him fresh for Porto clash | OneFootball

As Barcelona get set to take on Sevilla in a matter of hours, SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti is reporting that key defender Ronald Araujo could be rested tonight.

It is a crucial clash for the Blaugrana, especially considering that they dropped points against Mallorca earlier this week.

And, it was largely expected that Araujo would be starting in defence, alongside Jules Kounde, who has given a breather in midweek.

Araujo to be rested

But, as per the report, Barcelona could decide to give Araujo a breather keeping in mind the UEFA Champions League match coming up against FC Porto next week.

Araujo has already been out with an injury once this season and made his return only last weekend, when he played 45 minutes in the second half against Celta Vigo.

Following that, the Uruguayan international started and played the entire 90 minutes against Mallorca away at Son Moix.

Considering that he is only recently returning from injury, starting him again in 72 hours could be a risk, something that Barça might look to avoid, especially with the Porto game looming.

So, the idea is for Araujo to be rested against Sevilla tonight so that he is fresh and fit to face the Portuguese giants in the Champions League.

Christensen, Kounde to start

As such, with Araujo likely to be given a break, the report states that Xavi is likely to go in with the centre-back pairing of Kounde and Andreas Christensen.

Inigo Martinez would have been an option, but he too is only recently back to full fitness and had an off day on his first start against Mallorca.