6 reasons why Barcelona will get back on track after January

Barcelona look a depleted side at the moment. Without the services of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, FC Barcelona look a changed side. Unlike last season, the Catalans have been horrendous defensively. The situation is not desperate as results aren’t that terrible, but it certainly doesn’t look too promising either.

Here are 6 points to look forward to once the transfer window reopens on January:

1. A fresh, fully-recovered Messi

Messi is the best player in the world. He is the man expected to do things each time he steps onto the pitch. Stats reveal he missed just 45 minutes in la Liga last year when he was on the bench against Real Sociedad. He was the key player in the Copa del Rey and Champions League competitions also. And not to mention he was also involved in Argentina’s run to the finals of Copa America. 
Fortunately, the latest reports suggest that Messi’s recovery is accelerating and he may be back within four weeks. That is definitely good news for all the fans praying for the recovery of the world’s best player. A fresh Lionel Messi is one seriously dangerous dangerous player to have in your squad and, while his injury and absence is currently hurting the team, he will reap the benefits in the long run.

2. Luis Enrique will be able to rotate players again

It is a very busy schedule for the UEFA Champions League winner each year. UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup are extra matches the winners have to play. Ask Real Madrid, who suffered terribly last year. However, if there is one manager who can excel at rotating his players, that is Luis Enrique. He did last year, he can do it again. Who knows? Maybe these injuries may be a blessing in disguise for the later part of the season.

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3. Turan and Vidal would have fully adapted by then

Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal are the two players waiting on the sidelines waiting to be unleashed in January. They will have the hunger to succeed and their versatility will provide good competition in midfield, defence as well as the wings — as well as much-needed fresh legs.

4. New signings could improve an already strong squad

After the ban officially lifts, new signings can be expected. Nolito and Coutinho are the two players who will most likely be targeted. Their competitive spirit and technicality will be good backup to what looks like a solid team already. Although he is not expected to return to the Camp Nou yet, Alen Halilovic, currently on loan at Sporting Gijon, is really putting in very good performances lately. And don’t forget our very own Samper and Grimaldo, who may be also given a chance.

5. A more accessible schedule
The first part of the La Liga season looks real tough for Barca. Although results have been worse than in previous seasons, we are actually just one point behind the league leaders. So far, so good — well, sort of. The easier schedule in the second half may help us have a good go for the cup competitions. No team has won back-to-back Champions Leagues in its present format and, at least for now, Barcelona are right on track.
6. An improved back-line
The biggest worry for the team is the defence. On one hand, chances to score are being squandered at will and on the opposite end of the pitch the defenders aren’t helping either. With competition being higher after the comeback of Vermaelen and Vidal being available, improvement should be very much on the cards.

Although it is a bit worrying at the moment, the future ahead looks promising. No reason to press the panic button yet. 

Barcelona are the current treble winners and champions don’t give up without a fight!

By Abhishek Das, columnist at Barcablog. Follow him on Twitter here.

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