Pau Cubarsi

Xavi Hernandez considering Pau Cubarsi start against Napoli

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Vedat Muriqi of RCD Mallorca holds the ball whilst under pressure from Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 08, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Xavi Hernandez is facing a key defensive call for Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League showdown with Napoli.

La Blaugrana play host to the defending Italian champions with the last 16 tie level at 1-1 following a first leg draw in Naples.

With Barcelona on course to secure a top four finish in the final weeks of the campaign, Xavi’s only route to a trophy lies in Europe this season.

Injuries in midfield will force a reshuffle in his engine room but he could also tweak his backline in Catalonia.

Pau Cubarsi

Ronald Araujo is expected to return to the starting XI, following a domestic suspension, but his centre back partner is not decided.

The experience of Inigo Martinez appears to be his preferred choice, but 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi could be a bold pick for a European debut, on the big stage a per Marca.

The teenager made his seventh successive league start in the 1-0 La Liga win over Mallorca, and has impressed with his calmness, and would not be fazed if thrown in against the Italians.

Tags Inigo Martinez Napoli Pau Cubarsi Ronald Araujo Xavi Hernandez
La Liga - Club News