#squad-rotation

#squad-rotation

Against Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, he showed once again that his physical attributes are a difference maker. He spent the game chasing down attackers, winning duels on the ground and in the air, and ultimately rising for the game winning header. It seems clear that Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, and even Gerard Martín, are ahead of him in the pecking order,

It's too soon for Pedri and Olmo to play the full ninety minutes. There are many matches in the coming weeks and this is a very long season. Olmo needs time; there were options for him to come in, the same with Pedri. They'll be on the bench and might get some playing time, but there are many matches in the coming weeks, in the next month; it's a long road until the end of the season. Perhaps it's too soon for them to play 90 minutes.

The crunch Christmas period is upon us. Gameweeks 18-21 will bring four deadlines in 11 days between 26 December and 6 January. Expect heavy rotation, injuries, suspensions and continued absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations. There is nothing to panic about though. This is the time that FPL managers who plan well, stay engaged with their teams and don't miss deadlines often gain in ranks and mini-leagues.

There were some doubts in the build-up to the game about whether Christian Pulisic would recover in time for the trip to the capital. He missed the league game against Lazio on Saturday night after complaining of muscle fatigue last week, so the staff didn't take any chances. After only doing part of Tuesday's session with the rest of the squad, the doubts continued regarding his presence for the 'rematch' in Rome. Now, some positive news has emerged from this morning's training at Milanello.

Now, according to SPORT, Fermin's physical problem originated in Barcelona's La Liga game against Athletic Club last weekend. It came specifically from Oihan Sancet's very harsh tackle, a play in which the Athletic midfielder caught Fermin on his leg, forcing him to remain on the ground for a long moment and showing clear signs of pain. Sancet was sent off for the challenge.