The Return of Marcos Alonso and the Prudent Approach with Ferran Torres
By Shree Desai
Marcos Alonso returned to training last Wednesday but still wasn't a part of the Mallorca squad. The Spaniard has recovered fully and might be available for the UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli.
FC Barcelona are quite optimistic regarding Alonso, as the ex-Madrid defender has had enough time to get in the grooves after almost a 100 day withdrawal from football. The Spanish left-back also had a surgery in early January as no other options seemed viable.
Things aren't the same for Ferran Torres though. The Spanish winger is set to return less than 48 hours before the match, which is a problematic timing. FC Barcelona doesn't want to rush things and might exclude the 24-year-old from the Napoli squad.
Torres suffered an injury to his right femoral biceps in a match against Osasuna. The winger has been off the pitch since the start of February. The Spanish forward might be back for the important clash against Atlético de Madrid if things go right.
Raphinha, who was subbed off against Mallorca, is also in good shape. Many rumors suggested that the Brazilian might go back to the infirmary once again, but that wasn't the case. The distress was a just a knock to his ankle, and the winger is now up and going for Napoli.
Barça's Injury Crisis
Although things are getting better, there are still four major players in the hospital namely, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Balde and Gavi's season is over, but Pedri and de Jong are expected to return in April.
Alejandro Balde suffered a hamstring injury against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey Quarter Finals. The Spanish left-back has undergone surgery in Finland and hopefully returns with his best form next season.
Gavi suffered a worse fate as he tore his right knee ACL. ACL injuries have always been a carrier of bad news at all levels of football. This unfortunate event occurred against Georgia when Gavi was on national duty.
Pedri and de Jong have become prey to a hamstring and an ankle injury, respectively. Concerns regarding the two are little except for Pedri, as this is the third time the midfielder has suffered the same injury this season. This raises concerns regarding the overuse of young players at the club.