One key factor ‘keeping João Félix out’ of Barcelona XI to face PSG | OneFootball

An insight into precisely why João Félix is not expected to be afforded a starting berth in Barcelona’s impending showdown with Paris Saint-Germain has today been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards the return of a key member of Luis Enrique’s PSG ranks as being behind as much.

Frontman Félix is of course fresh off a match-winning display, which saw the Portuguese net the only goal of Saturday’s win over Cádiz.

In turn, it has been suggested in the media that the Portuguese, in the midst of a fine recent stretch of form, is pushing for a starting berth on the continent.

Barca will turn their attentions back towards matters in the Champions League on Tuesday night, when they welcome the aforementioned PSG to Catalunya for the quarter-final 2nd-leg meeting between the clubs.

As alluded to above, however, if the latest word to have surfaced in the early hours of Monday is anything to go by, then Félix featuring from the off looks highly unlikely.

Why? The presence of Achraf Hakimi.

PSG right-back Hakimi was forced to sit out last week’s opener at the Parc des Princes, owing to suspension.

This time round, though, the Moroccan is in line to feature from the off, a welcome boost for Luis Enrique’s side on both sides of the ball.

And, as per the aforementioned Sport, Xavi has already decided that it will be Raphinha who is tasked with aiding efforts to keep Hakimi’s offensive impact to a minimum.

The Brazilian’s defensive contribution is by some way superior to that of Félix, making the call between the pair an easy one.

With as much also meaning that Raphinha will not be moved to the right flank, and Lamine Yamal a more natural option in this role than Félix, the on-loan Atlético Madrid man will therefore be forced to make do with a spot on the bench.

Conor Laird | GSFN