Barcelona Calls Up Moroccan Defender Chadi Riad for Rayo Vallecano Match

The Moroccan Chadi Riad has not been called up by Xavi Hernandez since November 8, the date on which he made his official competition debut in the match against Osasuna at El Sadar. The Barça Atletic central defender came on in the 89th minute, replacing Pedri, recalls Sport.es.

Six months later, the first team coach is calling him up again, but for a tactical reason. Otherwise, apart from Andreas Christensen, the defenders Araujo, Koundé, Marcos Alonso, Eric Garcia, Balde and Eric Garcia are all available and have been lined up for this match against Rayo, as was the case against Atlético de Madrid.

Sergio Busquets must serve a one-match suspension and will therefore be absent in Vallecas. Hernandez has thought of Eric Garcia to replace him as a pivot. Knowing that Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are returning from injury, Chadi will come in support in central defense.

Chadi Riad’s call-up does not affect Rafa Márquez’s plans, the coach of Barça B, who lacks staff in defense and should need the Moroccan on Saturday against Osasuna B. The Moroccan international has been called up to the Moroccan national team for the friendly matches against Peru and Brazil, but did not get any playing time.