Two Barcelona youngsters could make La Liga debut vs Granada amid injury issues – report
Barcelona go into the game against Granada tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys with a number of injuries plaguing the squad.
While Xavi will be welcoming back Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Raphinha into the squad, he will still be without Sergi Roberto, Joao Felix, Ferran Torres, and Marcos Alonso. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are out for the season as well.
On top of that, there is a fresh fitness concern as Oriol Romeu did not train with the team today, casting doubts about his availability against Granada.
Meanwhile, Vitor Roque will also miss tomorrow’s game as he is suspended after being sent off against Deportivo Alaves.
Two new debutants for Barcelona?
The injury situation at Barcelona could prove to be an opportunity for a couple of young talents tomorrow against Granada.
Indeed, as per Jordi Gil of SPORT, Marc Casado and Pau Victor of Barça Atletic could end up making their La Liga debuts with Barcelona in the contest against Granada.
Casado, 20, is the captain of the Barcelona reserve team and has been a regular in training and matchday squads with the first team under Xavi.
The young defensive midfielder, who can also play at right-back, has also made his debut for the senior side, but all his appearances thus far have come in the UEFA Champions League.
This season alone, Casado has been on the bench in 13 La Liga games without getting a minute. But that could change tomorrow as Barça are light on options in defensive midfield and at right-back due to the absences of Romeu and Roberto.
Meanwhile, Pau Victor, currently on loan from Girona, has also been in and around the first-team setup, albeit not as regularly as Casado.
The young forward has scored 12 goals for Barça Atletic and has impressed with his ability to play as a No. 9 or on the left flank.
Given that the likes of Ferran, Roque, and Felix are unavailable and Marc Guiu is also returning from a knock, chances of Victor getting a look-in tomorrow are fairly high, especially with Barcelona considering signing him permanently for €3 million in the summer.
