Barcelona veteran defender did not train ahead of Atletico Madrid clash due to discomfort

As Barcelona gear up to take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga tomorrow night, they have a couple of niggling fitness problems to deal with.

While Gavi is out for the remainder of the season, Barça are sweating over the fitness of captain and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is still not back in group training and remains a doubt for the game.

Marcos Alonso dealing with discomfort

Now, journalist Helena Condis has reported that Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso did not participate in training today as he is dealing with some minor discomfort.

This cast a doubt on the 32-year-old’s availability to face Atletico Madrid tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Alonso, who has intriguingly been linked with a summer move to Atleti, has not played much this season.

Xavi has preferred Alejandro Balde and even Joao Cancelo ahead of the veteran Spaniard in the left-back position. As a result. Alonso has just played seven times this season, totalling up to 299 minutes of action on the field.

And, the former Chelsea ace could now sit out against Atletico Madrid as well, having not trained on the eve of the contest due to discomfort.

Cancelo at left-back again?

With Alejandro Balde’s form taking a dip recently, manager Xavi opted to start with Joao Cancelo at left-back against FC Porto earlier this week. And the move paid off well, with the Portuguese international putting in a stunning display.

As such, there is a strong chance that Xavi will stick with Cancelo as the left-back, and if Ter Stegen is not ready to return, Barcelona could field an entirely unchanged starting lineup for the first time this season.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-veteran-defender-did-not-train-ahead-of-atletico-madrid-clash-due-to-discomfort/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2023-12-02 12:08:10

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