Barcelona forward still not training with first team, set to miss Napoli clash

Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter against Napoli, Barcelona and Xavi have their work cut out.

Injuries have befallen the team at an untimely moment, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri Gonzalez most recently picking up blows, which is likely to keep them out of action for the next 5 weeks or so.

To make matters worse, Ferran Torres, another one of Barcelona’s key pieces this season, has been ruled out of the clash with Napoli.

Yesterday, it was reported that Ferran was absent from the collective training sessions, but there was an outside chance of him being included in today’s training session.

Ferran has yet to resume training

Now, as per Ferran Martínez of Mundo Deportivo, Ferran is still not training with the first team and is all set to miss the game against Napoli tomorrow.

The 24-year-old forward has missed six league games since sustaining an injury in the game against Osasuna in late January, in addition to the first leg against Napoli.

Having recorded 14 goals and assists across all competitions this season despite irregularly featuring in the starting XI, Ferran’s exclusion comes across as a big blow for Xavi. In the Champions League, he has especially been a dependable performer.

But prior reports suggest that the coach will be looking to devise alternative solutions, with Joao Felix seemingly the one who will occupy the left-wing position tomorrow night.

Raphinha’s deployment on the left flank or the inclusion of Fermin Lopez as the fourth midfielder are also options for Xavi to make up for Ferran’s absence.

Time will tell what set-up Xavi inevitably opts for, but with Ferran missing from training just a day before the monumental encounter, it appears increasingly probable that whatever lineup Xavi decides to field will not include him.