Two La Masia prospects Xavi will count on following Barcelona forward’s injury – report

Barcelona have been hit hard by injuries to key players in recent months, leaving manager Xavi Hernandez with little option but to turn to the La Masia reserves.

With as many as nine first-team squad members sidelined due to fitness problems, the 44-year-old tactician has had to time and again call on youngsters from Barça Atletic or Juvenil A to the squad list.

The likes of Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and Marc Guiu have even benefitted by gaining minutes with the senior team and have made a solid impression in the chances they have received.

Now, with Ferran Torres getting sidelined earlier this week, there may be another spot open for academy talents to make inroads into Xavi’s plans.

After all, both Raphinha and Joao Felix are already sidelined and with Ferran also now picking up an injury, Barça are running out of options in the wide areas.

Given the situation, SPORT is reporting that Xavi could count on two La Masia talents to fill in for the injured Torres in the matches to come.

Unai Hernandez

The 19-year-old Unai Hernandez is a regular in the first-team training sessions and has featured on the matchday squad on several occasions, including last night’s game against Osasuna. But he has not yet made his debut.

The teenager is an interior midfielder with very good footwork and is capable of adapting perfectly to the position of left winger. In fact, Barça Atletic manager Rafa Marquez has used him on the flank on multiple occasions this season.

In 17 appearances for the reserve team this term, Unai has scored four and set up three goals, including in his last appearance against Fuenlabrada. Xavi trusts the 19-year-old a lot and could count on him in the games to come.

Dani Rodriguez

Unlike Unai Hernandez, 18-year-old Dani Rodriguez is a pure winger known for his aggressive, driving runs down the flanks.

The teenager excelled with Barcelona’s Juvenil A outfit in the UEFA Youth League this term and is starting to establish himself with Barça Atletic.

The teenage prospect was called up to train with the first team by Xavi today and there is a possibility of him being involved in the games to come, at least against Deportivo Alaves this weekend.