Barcelona are entering a crucial stage of the season with their midfield stretched to the limit, to the point that it is causing concern for manager Hansi Flick, reports Mundo Deportivo.
It has reached a point where the composition of the team for the La Liga derby against RCD Espanyol and the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid is heavily conditioned by the situation in the centre of the park.
Injuries, fitness concerns in midfield
Flick does not have a full-strength squad going into the decisive stretch of the season, and the midfield department appears to be the most affected.
The latest concern emerged against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as Flick was forced to substitute superstar Pedri at half-time due to discomfort.
Although the issue has not required medical tests, the midfielder is not at his best, with his fitness causing concern within the club. The Spanish international will be fit to face Espanyol, but could be rested.
Growing concerned about the situation in midfield. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Marc Bernal is still recovering from an ankle sprain, while Frenkie de Jong has only just resumed training with the group.
As such, for the derby, Flick could once again rely on Eric Garcia, who would partner Pedri if the coach does not choose to rest him. Other options include Fermin Lopez, Gavi or Dani Olmo, potentially opting for a three-man midfield.
De Jong is not expected to start, as he is returning from an injury that ruled him out of nine matches, making it unlikely that risks will be taken. Marc Casado has not featured in seven of Barcelona’s last 11 matches, with the manager not counting on him regularly.
The midfield setup in the derby will directly influence the approach for the return leg against Atletico. Eric Garcia may have to drop deeper in defence alongside Gerard Martin, given Pau Cubarsi’s suspension, further conditioning the midfield structure.
The hope within Barcelona is that both Pedri and De Jong are fit enough to start at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next week, as their presence is seen as key to the team’s chances of a comeback.
