Rotation time as Xavi looks at changes to improve Barca
The coach may bring in some players who have featured less
After the Madrid and Inter blows, Xavi has two important tests coming in the shape of Villarreal and Athletic Club. Barcelona want to stay as close as possible to Madrid at the top of the table before the World Cup break, when they can try and reset after the disappointments of the last week. There are five league games left before then.
Xavi will try and analyse the errors and make changes, and three players could feature more in the coming matches. Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
Sergio Busquets, unlike Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, is an important player for Xavi but in a delicate moment. He was culpable for Inter’s second goal and partially so for Madrid’s first.
It's true after Pjanic and Nico departed he has no natural replacement, but De Jong could play there. It might be time to try that.
Two other players who seem like they need a rest are Raphinha and Dembele, who made the difference earlier in the season but lately have not made much impact. Ansu and Ferran could get some more protagonism. Both impressed off the bench in the Clasico.
The staff have been prudent with Ansu after injury but he could feature a bit more. Ferran has not started the season well but the goal will give him confidence.
Eric Garcia has not been in good form and when Araujo and Christensen are back, he too will get rotated – but for now he must stay in the side.
