A Barça built to resist

The injuries have put the Barça facing his first major squad depth test. Kevin’s simultaneous discharge Pointer and Tosan Evbuomwan represents a major setback for Aleksander Sekuliche loses two pieces of weight over several weeks. However, the Barça team has a squad built with versatile players with the ability to assume responsibilities and respond to the needs of the group.

“The eleven new players respond to an athletic profile, with fresh legs and a desire to grow,” Xevi explained two months ago. Pujol during the presentation of the incorporations. The Catalan manager, a key figure in the profound renewal of the team, opted for more physical and versatile profiles, with the ability to perform in one, two and even three positions during the same match.

He Barça He has already had to resort to that flexibility in the direction of the game. Umoja Gibson and John Nunez They have not been able to play the last four games after being injured during the visit to Munich. Two absences that left the team without its two available point guards, but that did not prevent it from winning four consecutive victories. The answer came from Justin Robinsonwho assumed a good part of the responsibility without changing position, but also with Darío Brizuelawho served as game director at certain times. Also Augustine Ubal He could offer an alternative in that position thanks to his ability to adapt to different outside roles.

Squad planning begins to become especially important in this stretch of the season. The versatility and athletic ability that the club has insisted on throughout the summer has also allowed Sekulic find solutions in the inner game.

Yoan’s absence Makoundouthe only player in the squad who has not yet debuted in the Barça shirt, has forced the coach to look for alternatives since the beginning of the season. The French center suffers from an exacerbation of patellar tendinopathy in his left knee and his absence has opened the door for Olivier Nkamhouawhich has had to occupy the ‘five’ position in certain sections, giving rise to faster and shorter quintets. The Finn has also shared minutes in the paint with Joel Vinewho has alternated between the small forward and power forward positions.

Now, the injury of Evbuomwanwho will be out for around three weeks due to a muscle tear in the oblique of the abdominal wall, will force Sekulic to readjust their schemes again. And it won’t be the only setback: Kevin Pointermain offensive reference of the Barça and Barça’s top scorer, will be sidelined for about six weeks due to a sprained syndesmosis in his left ankle. An especially sensitive absence for a Barça that loses its main scoring focus.

Given this scenario, sports planning comes to light again. Tyrese Martin aims to take on more minutes at the shooting guard position, while Justin Minaya and Stanley Umude They can also offer alternatives in the ‘two’. Barça is losing personnel, but the depth and adaptability of its squad, which seems to be not yet finalized, aim to be key in these coming weeks to maintain the team’s good dynamics.