Overbooking in attack for Barcelona after the storm

The world in reverse. After Leo Messi and Antoine Griezmann left, while Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele were injured, Barcelona were short in attack. Within a couple of weeks they may now have too many options.

“A blessed problem,” Xavi might think. The team has really struggled in front of goal this season, only netting twice in the Champions League.

Even after Coutinho’s loan to Aston Villa, Demir going back to Rapid Vienna and Kun Aguero’s forced retirement, Xavi still has eight players to make his three man attack.

There is no clear starting side, either, in Xavi’s ‘meritocracy’. Fati and Dembele are back and Ferran Torres arrived in January. Luuk de Jong is thriving at the moment after a long spell ostracised.

Ez Abde and Ferran Jutgla have added a lot from the B team when they have been given the chance. They may now find themselves relegated as a result. 

Dembele is in favour, while Memphis Depay less so, and has been linked with the exit.

There is one other name: Martin Braithwaite. He has been out since September but is now training and waiting to return. An overbooking in attack.