Europa League

Xavi concerned by fitness of Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 February 2023

Xavi concerned by fitness of Lewandowski, De Jong

Barcelona head coach Xavi says that he is concerned by the fitness of Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong ahead of the trip to Manchester United.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has admitted that he is concerned by the fitness of Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Manchester United.

The Catalan giants will head to Manchester this week for the second leg of their knockout round playoff with the 20-time English champions, and the tie is delicately poised following a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

Barcelona will definitely be without the services of Ousmane Dembele and Pedri for the trip to Old Trafford due to hamstring problems, while Gavi will be absent through suspension.

The La Liga leaders had Sergio Busquets back on the bench against Cadiz on Sunday, though, with the club captain recovering from an ankle sprain.

Busquets is now in contention to start against Man United, but Xavi has said that he is concerned by the fitness of Lewandowski and De Jong, who have played "a lot of minutes" in recent months.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

"Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski played more minutes. I think they have been playing a lot of minutes, that's why I made the changes," Xavi told reporters following Sunday's 2-0 win over Cadiz. "The other day Pedri was injured and we can't afford more injuries.

"Let's prepare for Thursday's game from tomorrow and see how tired they are."

Lewandowski and De Jong both started against Cadiz in La Liga, but the former was substituted in the 74th minute, while the latter was replaced by Franck Kessie five minutes earlier.

Xavi was also keen to pay tribute to the performances of Eric Garcia, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto in the comfortable league success on Sunday.

Barcelona coach Xavi on February 19, 2023 © Reuters

"I want to highlight the first half. I'm not gonna say it was excellent, but it was very good. Especially from the players who are not playing as much: Eric, Ferran, Ansu, Sergi," he added.

"I'm especially happy for Ferran. He always works for the team, he sacrifices himself. His attitude is a 10/10. People rate him based on his goals, dribbles, and assists, but from the coaching staff we see other things in him.

"Ferran has taken a big step forward to gain confidence. I've always said he is a guarantee.

"The brain of a forward is complicated. Ansu Fati has scored goals all his life, they'll come back eventually. Ansu is very good at playing inside, close to the striker."

Roberto made the breakthrough against Cadiz in the 43rd minute before Lewandowski doubled the home side's advantage in the closing stages of the first period.