January 24, (THEWILL) – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been handed a welcome injury boost ahead of his side’s Copa del Rey quarter-final with Athletic Club on Wednesday night, with defenders Joao Cancelo and Andreas Christensen both declared fit and included in the 22-man squad for the trip to San Mames.
Christensen missed Barcelona’s weekend La Liga victory over Real Betis due to an abdominal issue, while Cancelo has been sidelined even longer with a knee problem that has kept him out since the opening match of 2024 against Las Palmas. In total, the Portuguese full-back has missed Barcelona’s last five games across all competitions.
Despite Xavi continuing to face pressure amid Barcelona’s inconsistent form this season, the return of these two experienced defensive figures will come as a relief ahead of a tough test in the Basque Country. With first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen still absent alongside the likes of Gavi and Raphinha, Xavi’s squad continues to rely on several younger players to fill gaps.
Teenage goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili, who turns 18 in March, is included in the senior matchday squad for only the third time, while the likes of Fermin Lopez, Marc Guiu and Pau Cubarsi also travel. Xavi will hope this blend of youth and experience can help Barcelona pass a difficult opponent on their way to a first Copa del Rey triumph since 2021, with the Catalans having dominated this competition during the 2010s.
Xavi knows his side must be at their very best to keep their trophy hopes alive and build momentum at a vital stage of the campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
