FC Barcelona News: 31 January 2024; João Félix suffers ankle injury, Fermín López promoted to first team
Looking ahead to the Osasuna game – FC Barcelona
On Tuesday Xavi Hernández’s squad completed their final training session before the visit of Osasuna on Wednesday in La Liga in a game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys that kicks off at 7pm CET. Barça need all three points after last Saturday’s defeat against Villarreal to maintain their push for the best possible finish in the league.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Osasuna – FC Barcelona
It has been a turbulent few days at FC Barcelona, with a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal supposing a major setback in the league title challenge and then coach Xavi Hernandez announcing that he is going to be standing down from the position at the end of the season.
Xavi: ‘It’s a difficult moment but we need Barça to come together’ – FC Barcelona
In his first press conference since his announcement that he would be leaving his post as Barça coach on 30 June, Xavi Hernández reflected on the last few days. “Unity is important. It is not an easy time but we Barça and the fans to be united. I would like to highlight the reaction of the fans and the dressing room following my announcement. The shows of affection I have received have been amazing,” said the Barça coach ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Osasuna in La Liga.
Alejandro Balde undergoes successful surgery on the tendon in his right hamstring – FC Barcelona
The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring. The procedure was carried out by Dr.Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.
João Félix has a sprained ligament in his right ankle – FC Barcelona
In training on Tuesday morning the first team player João Félix suffered a sprain of a ligament in his right ankle. He is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.
Fermín López registered for first team with number 16 – FC Barcelona
Fermín López is an official first team member. The Andalusian, who has been working with the first team since the preseason, has been awarded the number 16 shirt.
Pep Guardiola backs up Xavi on Barcelona media complaints – “The pressure is not comparable to any other club” – Football España
Xavi isn’t the first Barcelona manager to complain about the local media, and there’s no doubt that he won’t be the last. It seems that many are in agreements with his standing on media pressure, including close friend and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who backed up Xavi’s views when he spoke to the media on Tuesday, as per Diario AS.
