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9 months ago
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Roughly a week before a crucial Champions League knockout match against Napoli, Barcelona lost two key players Frenkie de Jong and Pedri due to injury.
The injuries have shaken the Barça setup, overshadowing the club’s excellent form in La Liga over the past few months.
Optimism in the Napoli camp
As Barcelona approach this Napoli game with a depleted squad, there is much optimism in the Napoli camp over their chances of qualifying for the next round, reports Diario SPORT.
It appears the Italian giants have become seemingly confident of surpassing Barcelona, especially after the recent injuries to de Jong and Pedri.
Napoli are ready for the fight (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli aware of Barcelona’s reliance on players such as Gavi, Pedri and de Jong as they all play a crucial role in the team’s second line of press.
Although Barcelona coach Xavi is banking on the services of Sergi Roberto to replace de Jong, the club will be desperately missing the quality of the aforementioned stars.
Napoli operates in total secrecy
Napoli are also approaching this game with total secrecy. They have refused to speak to the media and leak anything to the press.
The club have even prevented the first-team players from speaking to the press, in an attempt to operate in secrecy ahead of the Barcelona visit this coming week.
In fact, Napoli will only speak at the official UEFA Champions League press conferences, which are scheduled a day before the game.
After drawing 1-1 in Naples in the first leg, both clubs require a win at Estadio Companys in order to advance to the next round.
