A Barça with more casualties and no reinforcements is trying hard before a new classic

Barça visits Real Madrid on Thursday (20.45) in the Euroleague, ahead in the standings. Peñarroya's men have a victory over the Whites after 26 rounds. Who would have said that about a team that seems to generate only negative news, with a near future that not even the most optimistic can paint in a rosy light and that continues to be abandoned by its own club. The panorama is bleak although from inside the dressing room they try to make a good face. It is still their obligation but their merit given the circumstances.

The latest blow to the battered Barça team comes in a recurring area, that of injuries. Juan Núñez has inflammation in the external meniscus of his right knee and is out for the match at the Movistar Arena. That was what the medical report said, but minutes later Peñarroya set off all the alarm bells. “He has been dragging problems for months, he has played with an injection and the medical services have tried everything, but he has reached a point where he can't. I see it as difficult for him to play again this season,” said the Barça coach in the build-up.

“It is clear that the situation is complicated but we are not giving up on anything,” Peñarroya stressed.

The absence of the Madrid native joins those of Nicolás Laprovittola – injured for a long time –, Jan Vesely – undergoing conservative treatment on his knee that will keep him out for another month – and Kevin Punter – recovering from a shoulder problem –, three key players in Peñarroya’s system. “Of the five years I have been in Barcelona, ​​this is the most complicated in this sense without a doubt,” confessed the Czech Satoransky.

Despite the almost apocalyptic outlook, the club has decided not to sign anyone. The economic situation is still hanging by a thread and basketball is very low on the list of priorities in the office of a Laporta with too many open fronts. No effort will be made. “What I had to say I have already said to whom I had to say many weeks ago. I am dedicated to trying to get the most out of the players I have, I am the coach, better or worse, and now I seem to be the worst in the world, but I have a great commitment to the players and the people who brought me to the Palau,” said the coach from Egar.

The Barça board has decided not to make any financial effort despite the bleak outlook

Barça returns to competition today just two weeks after losing to Tenerife in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey after a poor second half. Realistically, their two priority objectives right now are to ensure their presence in the playoffs, both in the Liga Endesa (7th) and the Euroleague (9th). Missions that are becoming more complicated given the delicate situation of the team, which to begin with has had to rely on the youth team (Sarr, Villar and Keita) to complete the squad to travel to Madrid. “It is obvious that the situation is complicated, within the dressing room we are aware of it. We do not give up on anything but we are also aware of the reality. I do not make excuses,” concluded Peñarroya, who spoke openly about his feelings. “I am screwed. When you come to Barça you expect things to go a little better but, from here on, it is up to me to work. These lads – the players – work hard and are committed.”