Vermaelen or Mina the options to take Pique's place vs. Girona

Thomas Vermaelen and Yerry Mina are the alternatives to Gerard Pique this weekend against Girona at Camp Nou. Both the Belgian and the Colombian are ready to take on the Catalan's role. 

Pique did not train with his team-mates on Thursday, instead working individually in the gym due to the persistent injury he's had in his knee since the La Liga draw with Espanyol earlier this month. 

The centre-back played against Valencia in the Copa del Rey despite the injury, although he was an unused substitute against Getafe. 

He returned to the side last weekend against Eibar and played again against Chelsea on Tuesday, so he could be in line for a rest in Saturday's Catalan derby. 

Barça's seven-point cushion over Atletico Madrid allows them to be flexible with their lineup and they could even decide to leave Pique out of the squad completely. 

So far this season, Pique's the defender with the second most minutes (1620) on the pitch, behind only Jordi Alba (1841). If we count the whole squad, he is seventh on the list of most action. 

Pique and his knee need a deserved rest and it could finally come against Girona. Umtiti is completely recovered, while Valverde could give minutes to Vermaelen, who's now back from a hamstring problem, or Mina, who made his full debut in the draw with Getafe recently.