Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto are the only two injury concerns for FC Barcelona right now, and that has to be a relief for manager Xavi Hernandez. He’s certainly had to deal with a rash of injuries this season, and that includes a handful of his star players. So getting back to full fitness is a welcome development.
With De Jong, he’s returned to training now, having recovered from an ankle sprain. He could be in contention to feature at Shakhtar Donetsk, in the midweek UEFA Champions League group stage clash.
UCL Group Stage Matchday 4 of 6 FYIs
FC Barcelona at Shakhtar Donetsk
Group H Kickoff: Tues Nov 7, 5:45pm Volksparkstadion
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
FC Barcelona Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
FC Barcelona 76% Draw 15% Shakhtar Donetsk 9%
Team News for Both Sides
Or he might he saved until the weekend, we’ll just have to wait and see. Roberto, who is convalescing from a calf injury, is probably a week or so behind De Jong in the time table. Barca seem to be cruising on the continent right now, a near certainty to go through to the knockout round.
However, getting a result in the Ukraine will be no forgone conclusion. They will take on a side that is fully fit, and only has one player confirmed as out for this one- the suspended Yukhym Konoplia.
Shakhtar sit third in the Group H table, three points behind second place FC Porto, so they’re still fighting for the chance to move on to the UCL round of 16.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram