Barcelona boss eager for the return of Sergi Roberto
The Barcelona player has been out for more than two months with an injury.
Barcelona manager could soon be getting back a much needed reinforcement in the form of Sergi Roberto.
According to Sport, the La Masia graduate is close to a return and could be available for the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.
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Roberto took part in the training session with the group over the weekend. Barring any setbacks, he could be on the verge of receiving the medical green light.
He has been out since picking up an injury in the loss against Atletico Madrid back in November.
No one will be happier to see him back than Ronald Koeman who believes the player can solve a number of the team’s current problems.
Roberto has the ability to play almost anywhere on the pitch. He may not necessarily excel at any one position but he does an adequate job no matter where he is played.
Koeman knows Roberto can fill in at right-back and had been the starter before he got hurt. Sergiño Dest has since taken over but is also going through his own fitness troubles.
Barcelona have had to resort to playing Barça B’s Oscar Mingueza at right-back. With Roberto’s impending return, Koeman can play him there, which will free up Mingueza to serve as a back up for any of the central defenders.
Koeman may also decide to use Roberto as part of the double pivot. He’s yet to fully put his trust in Miralem Pjanic or Riqui Puig and would see him as a viable alternative when needing to rest Sergio Busquets or Frenkie de Jong.
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While not the most popular player in the eyes of some supporters, his ability to play anywhere on the pitch has endeared him to every manager he’s played under. Barcelona lack options. Having him back will give Koeman some depending on how he decides to utilize him.