Xavi sends message to midfielder Riqui Puig by picking four forwards
The Barça coach hasn't started Riqui since a Copa del Rey game back in January
The surprise in Barcelona's XI against Celta Vigo on Tuesday was the omission of Riqui Puig from the team as Xavi Hernandez change his formation.
With Sergio Busquets suspended after picking up his 10th booking of the season, and Pedri and Nico injured, Riqui Puig was expected to start at Camp Nou.
However, Xavi only named two midfielders: Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Instead, he picked four attackers, with Memphis, Aubameyang, Dembele and Ferran Torres all starting.
Riqui Puig last started on on Jan. 5 in the Copa del Rey against Linares. He was taken off at half time. The only other game he has started under Xavi was three days prior to the cup game, in Mallorca.
Since that Linares game, he has played just 36 minutes of Barça's 24 games, including the 11 minutes he played against Real Betis last weekend.
Despite leading 2-0 at the break, though, Xavi decided a change of system was needed to wrestle back control of the ball, with Riqui coming on for 45 minutes in place of Ferran.
