Barcelona set to call up two youth prospects in the squad against Celta Vigo – report

Barcelona have endured a difficult period lately. If the defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League was not enough, the club have lost several key defenders due to injury.

Andreas Christensen was the latest casualty, picking up a knock against Inter in midweek that will keep him on the sidelines for the coming matches. It also leaves Barcelona with Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia as the only two available options in the central defensive role.

In light of this injury crisis, it was reported that Barcelona are going to call up a few of their youth players into the team, with Chadi Riad one of the players tipped to earn a spot in the first team.

Albert Roge has now confirmed those speculations, suggesting Barcelona are set to call up both Chadi Riad and Marc Casado for the squad for the game against Celta Vigo.

Both of these youngsters are key figures in the Barça Atletic squad, with Chadi, in particular, regarded as one of the most talented defenders in the academy. Casado, too, has enjoyed considerable success playing under the leadership of Rafael Marquez.

The teenager was in the squad against Inter Milan earlier this week and all signs point towards him being part of the list for the Celta clash.

Although Casado is more of a number six on paper, he can be used in a right-back role, if necessary. As such, he could prove to be a valuable asset on the bench for Xavi, in the upcoming game against Celta Vigo.

The same can be said of Riad, who could serve as an alternative to Pique and Garcia in the central defensive slot.

The youngsters may even be awarded a few minutes of professional action, in what could be seen as the first few steps in their quest to make a breakthrough in the Barça first team.

Barcelona lock horns with Celta Vigo on Sunday before they play host to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League. With key defenders ruled out during this phase, it will be interesting to see whether any of these two can usurp the role of either Garcia or Pique.

The post Barcelona set to call up two youth prospects in the squad against Celta Vigo – report appeared first on Barca Universal.

from Barca Universal https://ift.tt/dUyFAJE
via IFTTT