Fermín, Sergi Roberto or Oriol Romeu, who will substitute to Pedri and Of Jong?

The FC Barcelona confronts a dilemma in the centre of the field after the recent injuries of Pedri and Frenkie of Jong during the party in Saint Mamés. These drops, added to the absence of Gavi, pose a significant challenge for Xavi Hernández and his technical team in the research of effective solutions to keep the competitive level of the team, especially with the crucial meeting against the Naples in the horizon. These are some of the available options for the Barça, and the possible strategies and the players that could assume a role more protagónico in this critical moment.

The crossing in the midfield

The injuries of two key pieces like Pedri and Of Jong leave an empty considerable in the structure of game of the Barça. With Gavi offside and focused in his recovery for the next season, Xavi has of a fan reduced but versatile of midfield players: Oriol Romeu, İlkay Gündoğan, Fermín, Sergi Roberto, and Andreas Christensen, this last consolidating recently like mediocentro title.

Fermín, the promise in promotion

Fermín, after his stood out performance in Bilbao, outlines like favourite in the bets like a solid option to occupy one of the vacant places. His inclusion in the eleven headline seems almost a fact, given the confidence that Xavi has deposited in Fermín in key moments. The youth and the dynamism of this player could inject to the team the necessary energy to face the immediate challenges.

Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu, the experience in front of the need

The decision between Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu to accompany to the fixed Christensen and Gündoğan in the midfield presents an interesting dilemma. Sergi Roberto, in spite of his experience and capacity of leadership, confronts physical limitations that reduce his time of effective game. On the other hand, Oriol Romeu, that could be a risky but necessary bet to reinforce the centre of the field.

It is the filial and the quarry of talents the safe-conduct of Xavi?

In addition to the main options, Xavi could look to the filial to find solutions. Some players like Marc Casadó, Unai Hernández, Pau Prim, and Marc Bernal would be possible incorporations. Although some are not inscribed in the list B facilitated to the UEFA, fulfil with the requirements to participate in crucial meetings, offering freshness and new tactical alternatives.

Three forwards like Plan B

Another strategy that Xavi could consider is the implementation of a diagram with three forwards, tactics that already has carried to the practice after the injury of Pedri in Saint Mamés. This configuration would allow to the Barça keep his offensive potential, adapting to the current circumstances without engaging his style of game. Players like Raphinha, Joao Félix, and a recovered Ferran Torres could exert key roles in this diagram.

A challenge to show creativity and resiliencia

The current situation of the FC Barcelona in the centre of the field presents definitely a landscape complicated, but also an opportunity to show the depth and versatility of his staff. The decision of Xavi on who will substitute to Pedri and Of Jong no only will influence in the next meetings; also it could define the tactical direction of the team in this crucial phase of the season. The Barça prepares to face these obstacles expecting that the solutions adopted reinforce his aspiration to continue competing to the highest level.