5 questions facing Xavi immediately after the World Cup

The World Cup will eventually come to an end this weekend with the losers' final and final to be played on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Barcelona are already back in training under the tutelage of Xavi ahead of the season's continuation. But there are a few questions in front of the Barca manager before Espanyol visits Camp Nou on New Year's eve.

Who replaces Lewandowski? We already know that the Polish striker is banned from the next three games by the league governing body. Xavi must think of a quality replacement for his best striker. Remember, Lewy (13) has scored 39% of all Barca's league goals so far.

Kounde's ideal position? The French defender has been excelling at right-back for France at the World Cup and fans would love him to continue playing there for Barca. But he claims he prefers to play as a centre-back. Xavi must decide how best to use Kounde when he rejoins Barca.

When does Araujo play? The big defender claims he's back to full fitness after having surgery. It's now up to Xavi to decide if it's safe to use Araujo in Barca's first game after the World Cup.

Memphis to stay or leave? The Dutchman has been in the rumours lately with links to Roma. He's only played three Barca games this season due to injury. Xavi has to make a decision on Memphis' future in the coming days.

Who starts at left-back? Marcos Alonso has been training really well ahead of the league resumption. Xavi also has the option of Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba who are just returning from the World Cup. Will Balde keep his place or did Alba do enough at the World Cup to convince Xavi?