Robert Lewandowski has taken LaLiga by storm, but Barcelona coach Xavi must cope without him during a demanding January season that begins on Saturday with a Catalan derby against Espanyol.
The division’s leading scorer is suspended for three league games after being sent off in Barcelona’s final game before the World Cup.
Despite being down to ten men, Barcelona recovered from behind to defeat Osasuna and go two points ahead of champions Real Madrid, who are tied for second after 14 games.
Xavi has three choices up front, with Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Memphis Depay all pushing for a starting spot, despite the fact that none of the three are natural center forwards.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele, France’s World Cup runner-up, returned to training with Barcelona on Monday and might play against Espanyol.
After a humiliating Champions League group stage exit, Barcelona’s move to the top ahead of the World Cup provided a significant morale boost.
The coach is under pressure to win trophies in his second season as head coach after going trophy-less the previous year.
Barcelona made contentious financial concessions to sign Lewandowski, Brazil winger Raphinha, France defender Jules Kounde, and other players this summer.
Lewandowski’s transfer appeared to be yielding immediate rewards, but when Barcelona were defeated twice in Europe by his previous club Bayern Munich, the pressure on them has increased.
