Xavi seeks a new Xavi: Six kids get to train with Barca's first team

Under the watchful eye of head coach Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona team is emerging from the holiday break, eager to leave behind recent setbacks and usher in a new rejuvenation phase.

Preparations for their upcoming clash against Las Palmas have intensified, with Xavi overseeing rigorous training sessions. Amidst this, SPORT has highlighted several promising youth prospects who have joined the senior squad in recent sessions, showcasing the club's emphasis on nurturing talent.

Mika Faye, Mamadou Mbacke, Pau Prim, Ander Astralaga, Pau Cubarsi, and Hector Fort were all part of the team's last training session in 2023. While Mbacke and Pau Prim are newcomers to this setup, the others have already integrated themselves within the first-team environment.

Notably, Diego Kochen and Marc Guiu were absent from the recent session. Kochen trained under Xavi previously, while Guiu remains part of the Juvenil A setup. Despite Guiu's absence, there's an expectation that the young talent will continue receiving opportunities with the first team, especially following Vitor Roque's arrival. As speculation brews over which young prospect might make it into the roster for the upcoming Las Palmas match, observations suggest Pau Cubarsi might have an edge, particularly with Inigo Martinez yet to receive medical clearance.

While Mika Faye has had some exposure with the first team, Cubarsi appears to be in a more favourable position. His chances of featuring in the match against Las Palmas seem promising, given the circumstances surrounding Martinez.

The final selection decision will ultimately rest with Xavi, but the inclusion of these youngsters in training sessions serves as recognition for their hard work and potential contributions to the squad. It remains to be seen which young talent Xavi opts for, but their involvement in training sessions signifies the club's commitment to fostering young talent and integrating them into the first-team setup.