Manchester United's defender Raphael Varane has stated that Barcelona will not be missing the services of midfield duo Pedri and Gavi when they face off in the second leg of their Europa League game at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The two youngsters have been an integral part of Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona and have nailed down starting spots in the Catalans' midfield. Both midfielders will be missing out when Barcelona plays Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Pedri got ruled out of the tie due to a hamstring injury he picked up against the Red Devils in the first leg of the encounter at Spotify Nou Camp stadium, while Gavi will be serving a match ban after card accumulation in the European competition, with his latest booking coming against the Red Devils last week Thursday.
The dynamic duo have been influential and highly involved in Barcelona's outstanding performance this season, but Raphael Varane believes Barcelona will not miss the duo as there are players who could outright replace the Spaniards.
The 29-year-old stated during the team's press conference along with coach Erik Ten Hag "Obviously, they have important absences in the squad [on Pedri and Gavi]. But also Barcelona have a big squad and they can find replacements for this."
"We need to be prepared, and they can bring players in who are ready to play in this game." "We have to be prepared, and we have to play the same [as the first leg] or even better to go through and qualify for the next round," he explained.
Raphael Varane also emphasized that he and his teammates are ready for whatever challenges the Catalans would bring with them to Old Trafford on Thursday night.
"I think the first game against Barcelona was a very good game, top level, two offensive teams who want to press high up the pitch,"
"The level was good, and it was a good result for us." "Obviously in the first half, we could score maybe more goals, but in general, we played with character and personality on the pitch, which is very important.
"In the second game, we know how we want to play; we want to play with patience, with discipline on the pitch, and with belief." I think we have a good team, and we are ready for that challenge.
Raphael Varane played along with Luke Shaw during the first leg of the encounter at Spotify Nou Camp stadium and believes Man United has drastically improved; however, he suggested the atmosphere at Old Trafford will be "electric" and would require himself and his teammates to contain their emotions.
"I think over the last month we have grown a lot," Rapha added. "We are playing with more confidence, and tomorrow the atmosphere will be electric, so we will have to manage our emotions by staying calm and believing."
"I think we have improved a lot already as a team, and the next stage is to beat teams like Barcelona, and it is both a great challenge and a great opportunity."
Manchester United will be looking to get the job done at Old Trafford after shocking FC Barcelona to a 2-2 draw last Thursday.
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