Key Barcelona star set to receive the green light to return vs Alaves – report | OneFootball

Inigo Martinez is all set to be included in Barcelona’s squad for this Sunday’s match against Deportivo Alaves at Montjuic, reports AS.

The Basque centre-back, who has been training with the team since Thursday, is fully recovered from the hamstring injury in his right leg that he sustained during the Spanish Super Cup final on 12 January.

Tests confirmed the injury and indicated a three-week recovery period, which will conclude exactly on Sunday. And with the defender training with the team for three consecutive days, he will receive the green light to be back in the squad tomorrow.

A key player back

With Martinez’s imminent return, coach Hansi Flick regains a crucial defensive leader, who has often been the manager’s extension on the field.

While it is unlikely that the 33-year-old will start against Alavés, he could see some minutes, serving as a warm-up ahead of the Copa del Rey match against Valencia next Thursday at Mestalla.

Set to return vs Alaves. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

It is clear that the return of the former Athletic Club defender will add pressure on the centre-backs competing for the position.

The player most likely to be affected is Ronald Araujo, who has seen more playing time since Martínez’s injury.

Until stated otherwise, Flick’s preferred centre-back pairing remains Pau Cubarsi and Martinez, as this duo has provided the best balance in defence this season, both in terms of defensive solidity and ball distribution.

Eric Garcia, who had started the last two matches at centre-back, is also likely to be affected by the veteran Spaniard’s return.

With Martinez’s return, Flick can breathe a sigh of relief. The 33-year-old understands the offside trap very well – one of the German coach’s key tactics for winning back possession and closing down space.

Furthermore, Martinez’s leadership and professionalism have paved the way for an imminent one-year contract extension, which the club is set to announce soon.