Frenkie de Jong and Gavi up next in the midfield roulette?

If Robert Lewandowski is expected to be rested for either of the next two games, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will follow suit. One is expected to come off the bench tonight and the other next Tuesday in the Balearics against Mallorca.

Ilkay Gündogan already came off the bench against Real Betis last Saturday and Oriol Romeu did the same on Tuesday in the Champions League 2023/24 opener against Antwerp. We'll see which formation Xavi goes for tonight, but it's likely that one of the two will not start. 

If it were the Andalusian, De Jong would accompany Romeu at the base of the midfield square and Gündogan would be placed in front. Perhaps accompanied by Joao Felix, as against Antwerp. If Frenkie is rested, it would be Gavi who would be at the base. As he did the other day in the Champions League. And against Mallorca there would be more tweaks. 

      

Fermín López, who already had more than 25 minutes the other day, could also have his chance in one of the next matches. He has not yet made his debut as a starter and Xavi trusts him. And the coach wants everyone to feel involved and that they are plugged in. He doesn't want anyone to be taken by surprise when he starts any day.