Xavi doesn't rule out Barça using three centre-backs against Mallorca
The Barcelona coach has a puzzle to solve after injuries to Kounde, Araujo and Bellerin
Xavi Hernandez says it's "bad luck" that Barcelona have been hit with injuries during the international break.
Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo were both injured with France and Uruguay respectively, while Hector Bellerin picked up a knock in training, leaving Barça short in defence.
Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay were also injured with the Netherlands.
But Xavi is convinced he has enough options in the squad to cover the absences and has not ruled out switching to a back three to get through the injury crisis.
"We have many options," he said Friday. "I have to see how Sergi Roberto is and Marc Casado is training with us. We could play with a back three or a left-back on the right. We will decide after training."
A hypothetical back three could be Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso, although Gerard Pique is also an option.
As for wing backs, Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba are candidates to play on the left. Ousmane Dembele or Raphinha could play on the right as a one-off.
Another option is to hand a chance to Casado, who is a midfielder but played right-back for the first-team in preseason.
"Marc is a versatile player with soul, he competes well," Xavi added. "Wherever he plays, he is going to compete: pivote, interior, full-back...
"He has personality, which is positive for the group and good for the coach. He is a player I like, that is why he is with us."
