TalkBarca is back with FC Barcelona injury updates and International break news. International friendlies and Euro 2020 qualifiers have discontinued club football for a while. At the moment, Barca players are representing their respective countries. Unfortunately, a few picked up injuries which is likely to hurt their club season as well as our options on the pitch.
Umtiti and Semedo out
Samuel Umtiti was selected for his national side, France. Manchester City’s Laporte injury became the reason for Umtiti to be in the French squad. However, he picked up a foot injury. Such injuries can usually take quite a while to recover from. Therefore his absence from football and first-team football is confirmed.
Umtiti, lately has been really out of form and fitness. For a 25 years old, these are the peak years of his career. As an individual, when you are playing on the highest level, keeping your fitness is extremely as the competition is very high these days. Furthermore, with many contenders for a single position in almost every, maintaining your name in the starting squad is extremely necessary.
Furthermore, a sprained ankle has taken Semedo out of the squad. This leaves Barcelona in a tricky situation with debatable options to play in that position.
How will Barcelona play without Umtiti and Semedo?
Sergio Roberto is the first choice player to play at the Right Back position. Valverde tactics operated with Roberto playing in the center of the park. However, with Semedo’s injury as well as his inconsistency, Roberto is likely to play there.
Expected returns
Messi is declared to be match fit after the International break ends. His return will ring back life to Barcelona’s attack and alongside Griezmann, the Blaugranas can grab onto the upcoming vital points.
Other players expected to return to training this week are Ousmane Demebele and Neto. If Dembele returns to attack, Barca attack will almost be complete and Neto can be really helpful when Valverde decides to give Ter Stegen a rest.
International Break: Player Performance
First and foremost, I would like to highlight a positive performance from our first choice center back Lenglet who scored an amazing headed goal from a cross provided by none other than our forward Griezmann. It was his first-ever goal for his national team and it was a very well deserved goal.
Now, coming towards Griezmann, he missed two penalties in two back to back matches. It’s not what we expect from a player of his caliber. He provided assists in both of those games but missing those penalties would definitely hurt his morale. All I hope is that he would come back in Barca and prove his haters wrong against our upcoming fixtures.
Verdict:
To wrap it all up, Barcelona are going through a time. A strong mentality is needed to be back in the title race again. This is all we have for today. Tell us what do you think about FC Barcelona Injury updates in the comments section below. Until next time, Visca El Barca!
