The season is long and Barcelona are going to need all their players. This message has practically become a mantra in the dressing room and it's a statement that will be put to the test during the month of October. with Gerard Pique set for a more prominent role.

The international break has taken its toll on Barcelona as the Blaugrana have accumulated defensive injuries.

They have lost two first-choice players in Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, which will force Xavi to alter his initial plans.

The squad is left with just three specialists in the centre-back position for their upcoming matches: Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Pique. If necessary, a stopgap could be made, such as dropping Frenkie de Jong into the back four.

Gerard Pique needs to be ready to take his chance

In this situation, it is expected that Pique will regain the importance that he has not had since the start of the season.

The Catalan was becoming, along with Jordi Alba, the greatest victim of the change of cycle that Xavi wants to promote within the team.

The month of October will be a true test for the Cules as they are set to face Bayern Munich, Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season, Valencia, Villarreal and two matches against Inter in the Champions League.

It will also help them see what level the vice-captain is at. There has been a lot of talk about him for non-footballing issues in recent months and the player himself feels that his priority needs to be performing well on the pitch.

How much has Pique played in 2022/23?

So far, Pique has only played in two games this season. He played the entire match against Cadiz and half of the match against Viktoria Plzen.

With his decisions, Xavi has shown that the defender is the last man on the list in defense. Given the schedule, that role will have to change from this weekend onwards.