It seems that Barcelona really need to get a break if they want to end the season with at least one more title, mainly due to their poor luck in recent times.
Added to their poor performance in the UEFA Champions League, which caused Los Culés' exit from the tournament, the team will now have to deal with a number of absences that could really make Xavi Hernández's journey as coach even more complicated than expected. Right now, the former midfielder will have to deal with three key absences for the rest of 2021, with at least two of those footballers being instrumental to his tactics.
The first of those players who could be out for the remaining fixtures of this calendar year is Jordi Alba, who left the pitch against Bayern before the 30-minute mark. The left-back will be out for an undisclosed period of time recovering from a muscular injury to his right calf, which means he will not be around for the match against Osasuna for starters.
The second player that could be out for the next couple of weeks will be none other than the team's top scorer, Memphis Depay. The Dutch striker was also taken off against Bayern, but there was no indication about a possible injury during the game. The forrmer Lyon ace will be out for an indefinite period of time due to a problem on his right thigh, which will give Xavi quite a headache due to his contribution up front for the Blaugrana side.
If those were not enough reasons to worry for Barcelona fans, homegrown footballer Sergi Roberto has to be added to this list after undergoing surgery to his right leg. Initial reports state that the right back could be out for the next four months, which could mean that the 29-year-old could say goodbye to the 2021-22 season if his recovery hits any setbacks.
Barcelona are currently ranked seventh in La Liga, four points Rayo Vallecano, who are sixth, and six behind Atlético, the last team that would earn a UEFA Champions League spot up to this moment of the season. Needless to say, these injuries will not make their coach's job any easier, but the former midfielder will surely not use this as an excuse, judging by his words after their UCL exit.
