Barcelona did not have the best of starts in La Liga after dropping points to Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez and being struck with red cards to Xavi Hernandez and Raphinha.
Now, Ronald Araujo has suffered an injury lapse and is set to miss the upcoming clash against Cadiz at the Montjuic Stadium.
With Barça losing some of their key men, the Catalans face a dilemma in their defensive department.
Kounde expected to play right-back
According to SPORT, Kounde will most likely fill in for Araujo in the right-back position, but Sergi Roberto is also being considered as an alternative.
Last season, the Frenchman played a considerable portion of the season as a right-back, but it is a position he does not prefer playing in.
After having a mixed time playing in unfamiliar territory, Xavi accepted his wish to be moved to his natural position as a centre-back.
In the pre-season and season-opener versus Getafe, Araujo played on the right flank as a temporary measure until the Catalan giants could sort out their finances and fetch a right-back in the market.
However, with Barça still engaged in negotiations as they continue to eye Joao Cancelo and Ivan Fresneda, the option that remains most viable is starting Kounde out wide.
This paves the way for Eric Garcia as well, who is likely to be berthed centrally, paired alongside Andreas Christensen.
Following a demotion in the pecking order, the Spanish defender will be keen to leave his mark and make an impression on Xavi.
Furthermore, the team is hoping to register Marcos Alonso in time ahead of the clash against Cadiz. If his registration process is completed on a timely basis, he could also be an option for the Barcelona manager.
In light of Araujo’s absence and the ongoing recovery phase of Inigo Martinez, Xavi is compelled to make some difficult choices at the back.
