FC Barcelona: La Masia duo set to join squad ahead of Champions League clash

FC Barcelona is likely to receive major squad boost as two of their La Masia prodigies, who were ruled out due to injuries in the previous weeks, are set to return to the first team as soon as International Break concludes. Lamine Yamal, the 16-year old youngster who has achieved laurels in last few weeks and Alejandro Balde, the undisputed starter at left-back, is slated to gain entry into the first team.

Lamine Yamal- the young wizard

Lamine Yamal- the name has wreaked havoc in the international football circuit, and is set to embark upon one of the greatest phases in his career after signing a long-term contract extension at the Catalan champions. He has featured in the headlines owing to his on-field wizardry which has seen him break several records for the club and country, by becoming one of the youngest starter and goal scorer for Spain, further engraving his name on the record books on becoming the youngest UEFA Champions League starter for Barcelona, surpassing former teammate Ansu Fati’s record. But, as it says, en route to greatness, you must suffer a bit, and Lamine might be in that stage right now, as he is reported to have been suffering from minor issues which is plaguing him, and is expected to make himself available against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Xavi’s brigade is suffering from major players being sidelined due to several long-term injuries, as they have seven players in their infirmary, which boasts several heavyweight names in the form of Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie De Jong and Pedri among others.

Alejandro Balder- the defensive magician

Few years ago, a young rookie left-back was summoned in the first team for Barcelona. He was reported to have risen through the ranks of Barcelona’s young talent nurturing academy La Masia, and was dubbed to be a perfect candidate to replace the legendary Jordi Alba. Last season, Balde’s breakthrough was always on the cards as he had replaced the versatile Alba, as the youngster’s exuberance across the wings coupled with his dribble and lightening pace had captured the eyes of Xavi and board. This season, he has been rewarded with a regular start in the eleven, and he has delivered up to the expectations. But, he has also been nursing some minor injuries, and has been forced to sit out, but, according to latest reports, he would be available in the UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar, and it would serve as a major boost for Xavi.

It is said that stars like Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong is expected to miss a few more games, and they would be out of contention in their upcoming games against Shakhtar, Athletic and Real Madrid. Both of the stars are nursing major injuries and is reported to be “90% ruled out”, which could possess problems for Xavi, as he would look to rest several key players against Shakhtar, keeping in mind their upcoming fixture against arch-rival Real Madrid.