Sergio Busquets has resumed training after recovering from an ankle injury, giving Barcelona manager Xavi a boost. The seasoned Spaniard has been absent from the Blaugrana’s two matches. In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs, he was not present in the 1-0 victory over Villarreal or the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Their matchup with the Red Devils is scheduled to continue on Thursday, February 23. Marcelo Bechler, a Spanish journalist, claims that Busquets is likely to be in the team for the Old Trafford match. On Saturday, February 18, the group and the Barcelona midfielder participated in the training.
He might even make Xavi’s team for their league game on Sunday (February 19) against Cadiz. This season, Busquets has contributed with 27 appearances across competitions. Xavi has deployed a midfield quartet consisting of Gavi, Franck Kessie, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri in his absence.
The latter two may not travel to Old Trafford due to Gavi’s suspension for the first leg for receiving a booking. In the meantime, Pedri hurt his quadriceps in the match against Manchester United. He may be out for three to four weeks, according to reports.
As a result, Busquets’ return has come at a crucial time for Barcelona, who will likely be without the young midfield duo. After 21 games, Xavi’s team leads La Liga by eight points over Real Madrid, which is in second place.
Pep Guardiola’s comments regarding the future of Barcelona target Ilkay Gundogan are as follows:
Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of the season, has been the subject of interest from Barcelona. The midfielder’s agent was seen interacting with Blaugrana director Jordi Cruyff, but football director Mateu Alemany downplayed the significance of the encounter.
However, Bayern Munich and the Blaugrana are still rumored to be interested in Gundogan. Guardiola, the city manager, has stated that Gundogan must decide his future. He stated in 90 minutes: “The club is aware of this, and he and his agent should inquire about it. I’m pretty sure that what will happen will be good for him.”
Added: “Really, we want him to behave in the same way he has throughout his life in Manchester, but what will happen? Things of this nature belong to both the player and the club.” This season, Gundogan has made 31 appearances in various competitions, scoring three goals and providing the same number of assists.
In 2016, for €27 million, he transferred from Borussia Dortmund to the Citizens.