Barcelona: Philippe Coutinho’s injury leaves Ernesto Valverde with selection conundrum

Ernesto Valverde has a number of options to choose from in the absence of the Brazilian.

Philippe Coutinho is set to miss the next two or three weeks for Barcelona due to a minor thigh injury, while Lionel Messi should be back soon due to being close to finishing his recovery from a fractured arm much earlier than anticipated. This means there is a position open in the forward line. A formation change seems unlikely because Ernesto Valverde appears to be finally comfortable with the 4-3-3. Rafinha, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom have all played in Messi’s position during his time out.

The Argentine’s return will see him take over creative responsibility as well as being a major goalscoring threat. Therefore, Coutinho’s absence shouldn’t have too much impact, but Ernesto Valverde still has an important choice to make. The Brazilian plays on the opposite side to Messi, but the same options for that role are favourites for this one.

Jordi Alba complicates this because he prefers to play with players who move into central positions on that wing rather than staying out wide due to the types of runs he makes. Him and Coutinho have formed a strong understanding due to the knowledge of the respective player’s runs which allows them to combine for sharp passages of play.

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Dembele can drift into central areas and combine with the other forwards but setting these limitations on his game could hinder his natural style due to him being most comfortable in taking on players out wide. Malcom showed with his goal against Internazionale that he is ready to make an impact, so a start against Betis would be a fitting reward. He is more suited to playing as an inside forward than the Frenchman even though playing on the left-wing in this role isn’t ideal due to him being left-footed.

Rafinha performed well in the first match against Inter as well the Clasico due to his defensive work, positional intelligence and ball retention ability, however, Malcom and Dembele offer more attacking firepower even if they do have flaws such as losing possession regularly.

The recent match against Inter highlighted Dembele’s fitness issues because he started strongly before fading dramatically as the match went on, which possibly explains why Valverde has been unwilling to start him often. This would explain his inconsistency and occasional moments of genius that frustrate due to the sense that he can do so much more. Until he is at the necessary level to be a constant danger throughout games, he should be used as an impact substitute.

Malcom can wear down the right side of the opposition defence with his directness and willingness to take players on and Dembele can take advantage when they are in a tired state to ease past them with his trickery and quick footwork.

Betis take risks in possession and try to control possession and territory in a 3-5-2 shape, so there will be gaps to exploit between the wing-back and centre-back in the final third as well as the potential for quick transitions which Los Verdiblancos are really susceptible to. Barcelona’s midfield should be able to win the battle for control due to how press-resistant and comfortable they are in possession, so it’s up to the front three to unlock the opposition defence.