Potential Change in FC Barcelona’s Captaincy Looms Ahead

As pointed out by SPORT, FC Barcelona might be forced to appoint a new captain for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano – and possibly beyond – because of injuries and unfit players.

The departure of Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami this summer, to join previous skipper Lionel Messi, resulted in the armband becoming vacant ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

Their fellow La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto was given the honor in terms of seniority, or rather as the longest-serving member of the club, and elevated from vice-captain.

As Marc-Andre ter Stegen stepped into his shoes and was promoted, two other slots had been freed up with the retirement of Gerard Pique in November 2022 plus Alba also continuing his career with Busquets and Messi across the Atlantic.

After a vote was held in Los Angeles on the first team’s July preseason friendly tour of the United States, natural leaders Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong received the nod.

With Roberto often on the bench because of a packed midfield, plus the loan signing of Joao Cancelo at right back, Ter Stegen is widely considered the de facto captain these days.

As the goalkeeper has picked up a back injury on international duty with Germany, however, this and other circumstances might result in a development that hasn’t occurred since 2020/2021.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rayo Vallecano, head coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed that Roberto also wouldn’t make the cut.

Araujo is expected to be rested too, while a center back pairing of Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen is fielded at the same time Jules Kounde provides cover at right back and Cancelo occupies the other channel.

Though Frenkie de Jong will earn his first minutes since leaving the Montjuic Stadium pitch against Celta Vigo with a knock in late September, he is not fit to start from the offset.

Pedri is though despite own his recent, lengthy absence and could lead the side if the armband isn’t given to Robert Lewandowski as the oldest team member.

If this comes to light, it will be the first time since 2020/2021 that a player not in the list of the four appointed captains is given such responsibilities, which is when Clement Lenglet had to step up to the plate.