Three ways Barcelona defence can line up vs Real Betis with key centre-back ruled out

Barcelona take on Real Betis tonight, in what could prove to be a must-win encounter for the Catalans as they look to remain alive in the race for the league title.

Heading into this encounter, though, Barcelona suffered a few blows in the defensive unit. Joao Cancelo has not been able to recover in time and has been left out of the squad.

The same stands for Andreas Christensen. The Dane had picked up a knock in midweek and even though his knock is not serious, he was not able to make the squad.

Here, we will take a look at potential defensive combinations Barcelona can utilise, in the absence of key defenders such as Cancelo, Christensen, and Inigo Martinez.

Fort, Kounde, Araujo, Balde

The first option for Xavi is to deploy two of his best defenders Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo in the two available central defensive spots.

However, that would force the Barcelona coach to ride his luck on the young Hector Fort in the right-back position.

Xavi does not have too many options on the left-hand side, where the injuries of Cancelo and Marcos Alonso, have made Alejandro Balde a guaranteed starter.

Hector Fort could be an option for Xavi. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Roberto, Kounde, Araujo, Balde

Should Xavi refrain from starting with the young Hector Fort in the right-back position, the Barcelona coach always has the option of deploying the experienced Sergi Roberto.

The Spaniard has performed well in a midfield role since the turn of the year. But he can always play in the right-back position if required.

Tonight’s Real Betis encounter could be one of those occasions, where Sergi Roberto has to help out the team with his versatility.

Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde

Xavi, though, has one more defensive option up his sleeve. That is the young Pau Cubarsi, who was the one to replace the injured Christensen this midweek against Unionistas.

Cubarsi is a talented centre-back, who can operate alongside Araujo at the heart of the four-man backline.

Cubarsi’s presence in central defence will allow Xavi to deploy Kounde in the right-back position, thereby strengthening the right side.