Barça coach Koeman doesn't want to run risks with Sergiño Dest

Barça coach Koeman doesn't want to run risks with Sergiño Dest

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The USMNT right-back has been struggling with a thigh injury

Ronald Koeman has a tough task managing his defence in Barcelona's upcoming games given the injuries to Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto. You also have to add in that Samuel Umtiti is only just coming back from a long time out and Sergiño Dest has been struggling with a thigh problem in recent weeks. One of the decisions the Dutch coach must make is what to do with the former Ajax right-back, given he was not involved against Real Betis on Sunday.

Dest, who has aggravated a minor problem in his thigh which has seen him miss a number of games in 2021, risks making the problem worse if he forces it. But the reality is Koeman doesn't have much time to manage the situation. The initial idea before Araujo got injured was to protect the United States international to ensure he was ready for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The speed of PSG's attack means Dest's involvement could be key to stopping Neymar, Mbappe and Co.

Therefore, logic suggests Dest won't start against Sevilla at the Pizjuan, which means Umiti and Oscar Mingueza would start the Copa del Rey semifinal. The former Lyon defender would partner Clement Lenglet in the middle of defence and Mingueza would continue at right-back. That¡s presuming Koeman doesn't opt to play a back three with wing backs. In that case, it remains to be seen who would play at right wing back, with Ousmane Dembele an option.

As for Saturday, Barça welcome Alaves to Camp Nou. The situation will be different. Even though Barça need a win to keep the pressure on Alaves, it is a fixture which gives Koeman a little more room to tweak his side. Playing the game at Camp Nou makes Barça the favourites.

In any case, Koeman's plan with Dest is to take no risks. There's no firm decision yet but everything suggests he won't be rushed back to start against Sevilla.

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