Barcelona academy gem likely to get minutes vs Sevilla after debut against Newcastle | OneFootball

Xavi Espart became the latest La Masia talent to make his first-team debut for FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick.

The 18-year-old right-back came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League at St James’ Park and impressed in the few minutes he was on the pitch.

Another opportunity for Espart

Now, according to Laia Tudel on Catalunya Radio, Espart is likely to get more minutes with the Barcelona first team this weekend when they host Sevilla at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The 18-year-old could even potentially be in contention to start at right-back, considering that Jules Kounde is unavailable and Eric Garcia might not be risked ahead of the second leg against Newcastle next week.

As per the update, Espart is a big bet by the club, with manager Flick himself rating the young prospect very highly.

Leading up to the match at St James’ Park earlier this week, the German tactician had a strong message of encouragement for the teenage starlet.

“Get ready to play tomorrow. You’re ready, I see you’re prepared. You might play or you might not, but you’re ready, and if you do play, you know what you have to do,” he is understood to have said before repeating the message before Espart came on.

If not for an injury that sidelined him for a few months, the La Masia graduate might have already made his debut for Barcelona much earlier in the season.

But, now that he has had his maiden appearance, Espart looks set to be given more opportunities by the manager who fully trusts him.