Barcelona defensive ace to try out protective mask in hopes of being ready for Real Sociedad clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on Real Sociedad in La Liga at the Reale Arena this Sunday as they look to continue their winning run in the league. The Basque club has not had the best of seasons so far in La Liga and Hansi Flick’s men will look to take advantage.

Hansi Flick is slowly yet surely recovering all the injured players and will likely have a strong squad for the trip to Anoeta. However, one major concern is whether Pau Cubarsi will be available for selection, after the blow he suffered against Red Star Belgrade.

Cubarsi, just 17, has established himself as a regular starter for Flick’s team and has been marshaling the backline expertly alongside Inigo Martinez so far this season. However, against the Serbian opposition midweek in the Champions League, he suffered a kick to his face and had to be taken off with a bloodied and swollen face.

The Spanish international eventually received 10 stitches to his face to close up the wound. Luis de la Fuente subsequently decided to leave the teenager out of the Spain senior squad, citing that he needed time to recover from the wound.

Despite missing out, Cubarsi is keen on being available for Hansi Flick against Real Sociedad on Sunday. As per Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona defender is set to try out a protective mask in training in hopes of being ready for the game.

The report claims that the teenager is keen to retain his place in the starting line-up. He has put ice on his face throughout yesterday to reduce the swelling and looks in much better shape than he did against Red Star Belgrade.

Barcelona are not blessed with center-back options, with Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo still out injured. Thus, if Cubarsi cannot make it to the starting XI against Real Sociedad, Flick will either have to go with Sergi Dominguez at center-back or shift Jules Kounde inside and play Hector Fort on the right.

Currently, it looks like Barcelona plan on naming Cubarsi in the travelling squad to face the Basque club but a decision on his availability is set to be made later. It depends on how the teenager fares in training and let’s wait and see how it plays out.