Historically, Barcelona has been acknowledged as a team that prioritizes the growth of their youth talents.

After the depletions in defense, with Inigio Martinez and Marcos Alonso both suffering injuries ahead of the all-important clash against Girona, one of the rising stars from Barcelona’s academy is expected to fill their absence on the squad list.

Pau Cubarsi set to receive the nod

According to SPORT, 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi will be included in the squad to play against Girona tomorrow.

Barcelona lost Inigo Martinez during the warm-up for the match against Porto due to a leg injury, while Alonso did not show up for the recent practice session owing to back discomfort.

As such, Pau Cubarsi is poised to alleviate the growing deficiencies in the Blaugrana backline.

The talented 16-year-old’s commanding presence at the back and ability to break lines with his mature ball distribution has earned him immense plaudits and now a call-up to the senior team.

However, this will not be Cubarsi’s first rodeo with the big boys. Cubarsi has already been called up to the first team on five occasions, but the defender has not yet been able to make his debut.

He was included in the squad for the Champions League match at Montjuic against Shakhtar Donetsk as well as the three league games against Villarreal, Osasuna, and Real Madrid.

While any minutes tomorrow against Girona cannot be guaranteed, with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde ahead in the pecking order, his place in the squad list at such a tender age is a testament to the massive strides he is making.

Under the guidance of coach Xavi, who highly values the abilities of a player who might perhaps make the first squad permanently down the line, Cubarsi has been training with the team all week.

Mikayil Faye has also been lauded for his defensive robustness with the youth ranks, having arrived this summer. The defender also trained with the first team yesterday, but Cubarsi has reportedly been picked ahead of him for tomorrow’s clash.