Sergiño Dest back from injury and ready for Supercup Final

Sergiño Dest has recovered from the pain that caused him to miss out Barcelona’s triumph over Real Sociedad in the Spanish Supercup Semifinals. He will be available to play against Athletic Bilbao in the final.

He had received bruises to his thigh in the same spot twice in the past few games, and the medical staff apparently thought there was a risk of injury if he played.

He was rested, and Óscar Mingueza was deployed as a right-back to make up for his absence. The converted centerback did an admirable job by most accounts before being subbed off for Junior Firpo in extra time. However, Dest’s ability in attack is much more recognized and would perhaps be a boost for Barcelona to conquer silverware.

In defense, the American could help cover the speed of Athletic’s forward Iñaki Williams, one of the Basque club’s primary weapons.

Another possible factor that could help the Catalans is that Dest comes to the final rested, whereas Mingueza played 114 minutes in the semi.