Xavi weighing up crucial personnel change for Barcelona vs Real Sociedad

Barcelona will have a point to prove as they take on Real Sociedad on Monday evening.

Coming on the back of a 4-2 defeat to Girona that helped Real Madrid secure the title race, Barcelona’s aim will be to return to winning ways and move a step closer to securing second place in the league table.

Heading into this game, however, coach Xavi could implement a few changes as he looks to experiment with his squad before the season comes to a close.

Marcos Alonso in, Cancelo out?

According to Mundo Deportivo, one of the potential changes in the Barcelona starting eleven could see Joao Cancelo being handed a place on the bench.

The Portuguese international’s performances have become a subject of discussion at Barcelona in recent weeks, with the player failing to step up in any of Barça’s last few matches.

It must also be noted that Cancelo is facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, with his loan contract expiring at the end of the season.

Barcelona are unsure whether they will be able to convince Manchester City to extend Cancelo’s loan spell while the club are not in a position to afford a permanent deal.

Keeping that in mind, Xavi might look to bench Cancelo and try out someone else in the left-back position.

What are the options?

Xavi’s obvious alternative is to play Marcos Alonso in the left-back position. The veteran defender, though, will leave the club at the end of the season.

Hence, a more preferred option could be to deploy Hector Fort. The club have been considering the possibility of deploying Fort in the left-back position next season, as a potential cost-effective solution in the area.

The match against Real Sociedad, to that end, could serve as an ideal opportunity for Xavi to deploy Fort at left-back.