Barcelona: Which academy stars are training with senior squad?

The Catalans are preparing for the post-Christmas period with a number of new players in their squad.

Xavi Hernandez has reportedly added six academy players to Barcelona’s senior squad during the Christmas break.

Barca’s inconsistent run before the mid-season break ended with a narrow victory over Almeria. Financial issues have cast a shadow on Barcelona’s plans for the January transfer window. It seems that Xavi has decided to fill in the squad gaps with academy players ahead of Barcelona’s return to La Liga.

According to SPORT, Mika Faye, Mamadou Mbacke, Pau Prim, Ander Astralaga, Pau Cubarsi, and Hector Fort have all been training with Barcelona’s senior squad in recent days. A surprise omission has been Marc Guiu, who consistently trained with the first-team squad before the break.

Victor Roque’s arrival is expected to limit Guiu’s playing chances. However, the teenage forward will most likely return to first-team training in the second half of the campaign.

At the moment, Cubarsi has the best prospect to play for the Catalans against Las Palmas. As Inigo Martinez stays out of action due to injury, Cubarsi could even secure a starting spot in Barcelona’s backline.

Xavi’s men will take on Las Palmas on Thursday before meeting fifth-tier side Barbastro in a Copa del Rey clash three days later.