Barcelona's problem in the centre of defence analysed
Pique has played in every game, Lenglet is still finding his feet, the others have been KO'd
Barcelona’s calendar is getting harder and they have less and less defenders. At the worst time possible both Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen have been injured. The extent of the Frenchman’s injury is not fully know and the Belgian is out for six weeks. Only Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are available in the centre of defence, ahead of a tough run of games. A run that includes the visits of Sevilla, Inter Milan and Real Madrid to Camp Nou in eight days.
Valverde will have to turn to the B team to fill out the squads and training sessions. Jorge Cuenca may be chosen, while Sergio Busquets may also train in that position.
GERARD PIQUE
Has started the season badly, making serious errors that led to goals, but is untouchable for Valverde. The boss o the defence, but in recent seasons has started slowly and built up form. The problem is that now he cannot rest. Pique’s played 90 mins in each of the 11 official games. Although he didn’t play for Spain in the international break he still travelled to China to continue with his Davis Cup plans.
CLEMENT LENGLET
It’s not easy to be a Barca defender. Lenglet performed at a great level for Seville but he has no protection at Barca. Lenglet suffered against his former team in the Spanish Super Cup and was sent off against Girona. However at Wembley he impressed with Pique and the coming weeks will be his big exam.
SAMUEL UMTITI
The world champion is indispensable for Barca but his left knee says otherwise. He has missed several games with the problemm in his cartilage, which he is trying to regenerate instead of going under the knife. There are 13 days to go before the Clasico, but it’s hard to imagine him appearing against Sevilla and Inter.
THOMAS VERMAELEN
The cruel reality is that he is made out of glass. A long list of injuries and this one at a worse time than most. Out for six weeks with a hamstring problem, the week after he started against Valencia and played well. His millionth KO.
JORGE CUENCA
Valverde has three options - Cuenca, Chumi and Oscar Mingueza, but the former is the one who has the best chance of playing. Valverde has known the defender since last season and that’s one advantage. He did well in the Catalan Super Cup against Espanyol and has grown a lot into his skin in the last few weeks. He needs confidence though - he’s not 19 yet.
