If there is no mishap, Xavi Hernández will be able to count on Gerard Piqué for this Thursday’s game against Eintracht Frankfurt. It will not be, in any case, until Wednesday when the center-back is tested in the morning session with the group. If the sensations are positive and the adductor does not suffer, Piqué will be discharged and will be available to play the momentous match that could put the Blaugrana team in the semifinals of the Europa League. We must remember that Piqué’s commitment is absolute and his motivation to help the team in this game is one more extra, so he is willing to take advantage of all his options.
In fact, the presence of Piqué, who has had a tendinopathy in his left adductor for more than two months, becomes more necessary, if possible, after confirming that Sergiño Dest will not arrive at Thursday’s match. As AS has learned, the US international has not yet joined training with the group, so his reappearance for Thursday’s match would be entirely hasty. The loss of Dest and the absence of Alves, not registered in the European competition, will force Xavi to bet on Ronald Araújo on the right wing, with Piqué and Eric in the central axis.
Nor will the young Ansu FatI arrive yet for the match against the Germans, despite the fact that his evolution is being very positive and his return is getting closer and closer. The forecasts point to next Monday, April 18, against Cádiz, as one of the first scenarios for his reappearance, although the medical services maintain a clear policy of caution and precaution in his case, so it could finally take a few more days, easily going to April 24 against Rayo.
Who could reappear even before Fati is Memphis Depay. The Dutch striker, who has a slight strain on his hamstrings, will be tested in Wednesday’s session to assess his condition. If the sensations are good, he could also be discharged.