Sandro and Munir must take their chance in Copa del Rey

There can be no excuses for Sandro and Munir in Extremadura. Without the MSN and with the comfort of knowing there is a return leg at Camp Nou to play, the two young forwards are set to lead Barcelona’s attack. Unless Ivan Rakitic plays, those two are likely to be the only players from the first team squad in the starting line up from the midfield to the attack (excluding defence and goalkeeper).

Only against Levante have they started together, mostly coming on as a substitute for one another. The game against Villanovense on Wednesday night should serve to see if they can work well together – and also be an opportunity for goals. Neither has yet found the net this season. In terms of assists, Munir has three and Sandro one.

With the debate over whether Barcelona should sign a forward still going on, Sandro and Munir taking a step forward cannot wait any longer. Both should demonstrate their level to convince the club they don’t need more attackers – Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal are still to come. There is also speculation that one of Munir or Sandro could leave on loan. They have all this to play for when they take the field at the Romero Cuerda.