A golden opportunity for Barcelona's Inigo Martinez

Íñigo Martínez is finding it hard at Barca. The Basque centre-back was aware that competition would be fierce and that minutes would be at a premium. He knew it from the first minute he signed. The player from Ondarroa is working hard to earn opportunities and a very good one could come his way after the international break. 

The context at the back is favourable for him. Jules Koundé has a sprained knee and will miss the next 4-5 weeks. Thus, only the Basque, Araujo and Christensen remain healthy. The Charrúa and the Dane will be the starting centre-back pairing in the next important games if there is no other setback. 

Of course, both Andreas and Ronald are with their national teams in this window and will return to Barca with lots of minutes in their legs. And, in the case of the Uruguayan, also flight hours and jet lag. 

Uruguay, who the other day drew against Colombia, plays again on Wednesday morning. A high voltage match and maximum pressure against Brazil in Montevideo. With Ronald, more than likely, playing the entire match again. 

That means the defender would not be expected to join Xavi in training until probably Friday. He could arrive on Thursday, although that seems a bit tight. Barça have a game on Sunday at Montjuïc against Athletic.      

It seems that Íñigo could have a chance to start for the second time since he signed for Barça (the first was in Mallorca). Along with Christensen who, if there are no setbacks with Denmark, will be a starter.