Due to the World Cup's unusual scheduling in Qatar, this season was destined to be unlike any other. Since years, coaches and players have bemoaned the shortage of downtime in between games and the consequent rise in injury risk.
Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde's prolonged injuries during the first international break are already alarming Barcelona ahead of a run of matches that might be pivotal in the Catalans' quest to win trophies right away.
When the injury bug struck just a year ago, Barcelona's lack of depth made an already challenging scenario for Ronald Koeman into a crisis he couldn't handle, which led to the club missing the Champions League knockout phase.
Xavi came into the game and with the help of the reinforcements he received in January, he was able to save the season by keeping things from getting worse.
He made an effort over the summer to strengthen each position with capable backups, and it is now clear why that strategy was so important. Barcelona cannot afford to offer excuses. Despite the challenges that are put in their path, they must continue winning games.
Just now, the starting eleven was beginning to take shape. Those carefully set plans are currently being disturbed. Every player on this roster must maintain their attention and be prepared to contribute when their name is called because they will all inevitably have a crucial role to play at some point and must be able to continue where their fallen teammate left off.
The defensive backs are in trouble right now. Araujo and Jules Kounde are the greatest candidates for the job, and they also bring a very particular profile. They completely alter the tactical dynamic when Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique are replaced by them. When new players are added to the roster, Xavi needs to have the team ready to make adjustments when they are introduced.
It has been reassuring to observe how much more dependable this team's defense has become. Pique and perhaps even Jordi Alba's eventual comeback could give the impression that Barcelona is moving backward. Hopefully, that won't be the case, and the new generation who took their place can teach the old guard a thing or two.
As the season goes on, perhaps their proven experience will prove useful. The key will be to play at a pace that makes the most of the plethora of attacking potential up front while minimizing costly errors, relieving strain on the back four and their lack of defensive prowess.
What unfolds, however, if Robert Lewandowski or Ousmane Dembele are injured? Nobody wants to consider it, but a strategy is necessary.
Pedri, how about him? We are already aware of what transpired last season as a result of his misuse and inability to support a squad that was depending on him to keep the midfield organized. Rotation will therefore remain important.
Nobody is reliable for Barcelona. From game to game, Xavi needs to have the confidence that he can call any player and that they will be driven to succeed. To create a strong team that could endure the challenges of this World Cup season and beyond, the club has made significant investments.
Throw caution to the wind whether you're prepared or not because a player like Ansu Fati will be required.
Whether or not Ferran Torres is in form or is your cup of tea, he needs to step up and become the player that Xavi and Luis Enrique think he can be. With Memphis Depay, a reliable goal scorer, unavailable, Ferran might have to fill in as Lewandowski's backup center striker.
Pablo Torre, try not to become complacent or too comfortable at Barca Athletic. You might actually end up being required to relieve a Barcelona midfield that doubles as the starting trio for the Spanish national side.
And who knows, if Araujo and Kounde's rehabilitation takes longer than expected and their replacements fail to impress, Xavi may decide to start Frenkie de Jong in the center of defense.
There are so many possibilities. Xavi needs to start anticipating the future so that his men can be courageous and face it head-on. This is an interesting time to be a Barca manager since every choice has repercussions.
Even though there are fresh and inexperienced faces working on the field after this international break, it's time to get back to business.
Opportunities will be plentiful in October. Who will be the one most eager to exploit them?
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