La Liga giants Barcelonafacede defensive problems last year with an unstable backline. New manager Ronald Koeman has taken the point into account as he did the summer business accordingly. He brought Ajax youngster Sergino Dest to replace Nelson Semedo in the right-back position. The Dutch gaffer planned on a return for Eric Garcia from Manchester City as Barcelona required a centre-back as well. However, the bid was rejected by the Premier League club because they believed the former La Masia graduate was worth more.
Lack of Center-backs at Camp Nou
Eric Garcia will be available for free with his contract running out at Etihad in the upcoming year and the defender can make his move to his dream club. Barcelona is at loss as for now as there is a lack of squad depth in the defensive front. The Catalan club has Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, and Ronald Araujo to fill in the center-back position. Umtiti is already out of selection due to his injury and remains inconsistent with appearances. Araujo had his major breakthrough last season with 7 features for Barcelona. The 21-year-old performed well against Sevilla as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
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With Ronald Koeman in-charge of the squad, there is a chance that he may promote youth products from the Barcelona B team to balance the deficit. However, the luck is not good for the B team either as one of their finest defenders will remain sidelined for 6 weeks. Alejandro Baldi is set to miss the opening fixtures of the Segunda B due to an ankle ligament injury as the statement of the club.
Injuries: an early obstacle for Barcelona
The 17-year-old left the pitch on a stretcher during a friendly match against Cornella last weekend. Balde is an academy graduate who paved his way to get promoted to the B team. There are potential and versatility in the young left-back who can also play as a winger.
Squad Depth has been a concern for Ronald Koeman as Barcelona needs to compete in La Liga as well as the Champions League. He also awaits to return of Marc Andre Ter Stegen who is out with injury and the Brazilian Neto is covering between the post since the start of La Liga. The players need rest and the boss needs to regulate his members accordingly so that no players endure fatigue. Barcelona will face Getafe at the end of the International break. The Champions League fixtures are also set as Barcelona determine to lodge a stronger European campaign.
