(Reuters) – Barcelona supervisor Xavi Hernandez mentioned it was “ludicrous” that their game at Mallorca on Sunday was going forward regardless of the Catalan membership lacking as much as 18 gamers resulting from COVID-19, accidents and suspensions.
Barcelona have 10 gamers in isolation after all of them examined constructive for COVID-19, whereas Sergio Busquets is suspended for the game. Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay, Pedri, Sergi Roberto and Martin Braithwaite are all recovering from accidents.
Asked if having a depleted squad might have an effect on their morale, Xavi instructed reporters on Saturday: “We are going to attempt to put together in one of the best ways doable. We have only a few gamers and have to rely on the a number of of the youth group gamers.
“I’m involved, in fact. We are speaking about 17 to 18 gamers lacking… the truth that they (LaLiga) aren’t suspending the game, I discover it ludicrous.
“If we had a little bit of widespread sense, this game wouldn’t be performed. Mallorca are additionally complaining they have many COVID-19 instances…. however the norms are what they’re, they’re very harsh.”
Xavi, who changed Ronald Koeman as head coach in November, additionally mentioned he was uncertain if ahead Ousmane Dembele would signal a brand new deal, with the Spanish media reporting that the French worldwide is demanding a rise in wage.
Dembele will see out his contract on the finish of June at Barcelona, who have money owed of greater than 1.35 billion euros.
“No, I’m not certain,” Xavi mentioned. “It is true that always the gamers’ brokers make issues sophisticated. Barca have been very clear about their place and now it is a matter of negotiating.
“The state of affairs the membership is in is sophisticated… I’m not certain, however hopefully, the 2 events will come collectively.
“Ousmane is a participant who’s able to making a distinction. If he trains and performs properly, he will be among the finest gamers in his place and we want that.”
Barcelona are seventh in LaLiga on 28 factors after 18 matches, 18 factors behind leaders Real Madrid who have performed a game extra.
(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru, modifying by Pritha Sarkar)
