Barça's six absentees for the start of the toughest week of the season

The moment of truth has arrived for Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona. The Catalan team will have to face a series of matches in which there will be a lot at stake, or rather, in which a large part of the season could be decided.

The latest defeat to Inter Milan left the Barcelona side close to elimination from the Champions League, so next week's clash with the Italians at the Camp Nou will be crucial.

Domestically, Madrid won their game against Getafe and temporarily took back the lead in La Liga Santander, at least until Barça play their matchday eight fixture. And as if that wasn't enough, next Sunday, 16th October, the Catalan giants and the 'Merengues' will face each other in the 'Clasico' in La Liga.

In this situation, Xavi's team will have to face Celta Vigo this Sunday. It is easy to say that the game against Celta will start one of the most difficult weeks for the 'Cules' so far this season.

In addition to results, one of Xavi's biggest problems is injuries. In fact, for the game against Eduardo Coudet's side, Barça will be without six important players.

Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, Franck Kessie, Jules Kounde and Memphis Depay are all recovering and will not be available, so Xavi will have to make changes in the starting eleven once again.

Faced with this situation, the coaching staff had to call up three players who usually play in the reserve team: Marc Casado, Pablo Torres and Chadi Riad. 

Meanwhile, the good news in the midst of all the pressure was the return of Frenkie de Jong, who has been given a clean bill of health and will be available to the coach for the run of games ahead.