Barcelona returns to LaLiga on Saturday, October 22, in a tough match against Athletic Club. It is always a difficult match due to the potential of the opponent, but it is even more complicated by the absentees in the Blaugrana squad for this clash. It is true that Flick will be able to recover, if no last-minute setbacks arise, Joan Garcia and Raphinha, but the Blaugrana coach faces this match with a serious problem in midfield.
For the first time since he has been on the Barcelona bench, he will not be able to count on his three best midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. The latter is not new, as he has been injured for a couple of months after undergoing meniscus surgery, and still has several more months to go before he returns, as the forecast is that he will do so between January and February next year. However, the absence of the other two is more serious, as they form the starting pair in the double pivot.
De Jong’s suspension
The Dutchman will not be able to play after being sent off in the last match against Celta. On Thursday, the Competition Committee confirmed a one-match ban. Pedri, meanwhile, will also not be able to play because he is still not recovered from his injury. The Canarian is improving considerably, but will not be ready in time for the match against Athletic. So Flick has no choice but to improvise in midfield.
Casado aims for the title
Marc Casado seems to have the position assured. He is the player who has been playing when it was necessary to give rest to the starters. It is true that he could not play against Celta as he felt discomfort during the warm-up, but at the moment he is already recovered and everything points to him being in the starting eleven against the Rojiblancos.
Bernal’s lack of rhythm
Flick’s other options are varied. One would be to line up Marc Bernal alongside Casado in the double pivot. It is his natural position, but the problem is that he has barely had any minutes this season. His participation has been minimal – only 32 minutes in all competitions – which makes it difficult for him to start due to a lack of match fitness.
Eric and Christensen
From there, Flick will have to look for players from other positions to fill the gaps. If he looks at the defense, he will find that Eric Garcia and Christensen can play in that double pivot. It is not an unfamiliar position for them, as this season they have already played some minutes in that position. It is likely that one of the two will accompany Casado in midfield.
Dani Olmo and Fermin
The other option comes from the attacking positions. Both Fermin and Olmo can play in this position, although it is by no means their natural position. Olmo has already played some minutes in this position this season. He is capable, but far from the area he loses some of his goal-scoring effectiveness. The same goes for Fermin: just look at the number of goals he has scored to understand that the further away he is from the opponent’s goal, the less danger he generates.
Touch-up in the system
Flick could also modify the system and play with a single pivot and two midfielders. This would allow, if Fermin and Olmo were to play, to help in the center of the field, but also to stay close to the opponent’s area. The return of Raphinha will also be important for the team to maintain its offensive power.
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