Xavi names 4 players he is ready to test in midfield amid Pedri & De Jong absences | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández this afternoon provided an insight into his plans to cover for the incoming absences of key midfield pair Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong.

And the Spaniard’s comments have since sparked widespread chatter across the Barcelona fanbase.

This comes after Xavi hinted at his readiness to test no fewer than three leading members of his attacking ranks in new-look roles, in the middle of the park.

Barca, of course, have been forced into something of a reshuffle for the weeks ahead.

As much comes after aforementioned duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were ruled out long-term, owing to injuries suffered during the Blaugrana’s weekend meeting with Athletic Club.

With Gavi also sidelined for the foreseeable future, and a crunch Champions League Last-16 2nd leg meeting with Italian giants Napoli to come next week, it is safe to say that the latest news stemming from the treatment room in Catalunya’s capital could not come at a much more inopportune time.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of his side’s return to action against Mallorca on Friday, Xavi, in turn, was asked for the latest on his plans to account for the absences of both Pedri and De Jong.

And the Spaniard went on to confirm that, alongside captain Sergi Roberto, he is giving consideration to affording midfield opportunities to three surprise names:

“We can try Felix, Ferran, Raphinha and Roberto. Even though they are not real midfielders.”

Conor Laird | GSFN