Barcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets, was forced to miss the first leg of the Europa League play-off against Manchester United due to an ankle injury he suffered in a match against Sevilla earlier this month....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The experienced Spaniard has been absent from his side’s last three games, including the Europa League clash, with his injury preventing him from taking part in training and games.
Despite his injury, Busquets was back on the bench for Barcelona’s recent match against Cadiz, but Xavi, the club’s coach, decided not to bring him on.
The decision was made with the long-term health of the player in mind, as rushing him back too soon could have resulted in a setback that would have further delayed his return.
In Busquets’ absence, Frenkie de Jong has been anchoring the midfield. Against Cadiz, Pedri started in midfield but was forced off the field with an injury. Sergi Roberto replaced him, and de Jong continued to play the holding role in Busquets’ absence.
However, with Pedri likely to miss Thursday’s game, the chances of Busquets returning to the lineup have increased. If he does make a comeback, he is expected to assume his role as the deepest midfielder, allowing de Jong to push further up the field. De Jong is more comfortable in this position, where he can utilize his excellent ball-carrying skills to drive Barcelona’s attack.
Moreover, Busquets is no stranger to high-pressure games and is unlikely to be intimidated by the prospect of playing at Old Trafford. He has been a key figure for Barcelona since breaking into the first team in 2008 and has helped the club win numerous domestic and international titles.
His injury has been a blow to Barcelona, but his experience and talent make him an integral part of the team. If he returns to action on Thursday, it will be a significant boost for the club’s chances of progressing in the Europa League.
Additionally, his presence will allow de Jong to play in a position where he is most comfortable, which could lead to an improved performance from Barcelona’s midfield.
