When it rains, it pours in Barcelona.
Injuries are a problem across the game for all clubs with the calendar becoming more and more crowded. Yet with Barcelona, for a long time now, the problem has been
endemic.
Part of the problem is that virtually all of the players are called up for international duty. This increases the risk of muscular fatigue, which is the culprit for most of the injuries, making it even more necessary for the coaching staff to have depth they can turn to and rely on.
It also asks the questions of the manager and the medical staff. When players seem to be dropping like flies, is there something wrong with training environment that burnout seems to be setting in before the season even gets going?
Most of the players at Barcelona are experiencing short term injuries. But 2-4 weeks for so many players, some of whom are now experiencing setbacks, really adds up and disrupts the program that the team is trying to build.
At the moment, the Blaugrana defense seems to be in the best shape. With Alejandro Balde back, Flick has his starters at his disposal, but should be mindful that Pau Cubarsí and Eric García have already picked up niggles.
The midfielders and forwards are where things get tricky.
Whatever plan Flick had to start the season, he now knows he’s going to have to be flexible and agile with his lineups and tactics.
It hurts to list off all the players who have picked up problems. Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo. Yikes.
Some of them will be back soon, but Flick will have to be intelligent with how he manages their return.
Right now, Marcus Rashford has been his most reliable player. Who would have thought? The England international has a big opportunity in front of him, if he has it in him, to be Barca’s main man while so many of his high profile teammates are out.
As for Flick, what exactly is in his control? What would you do if you were dealt the hand he’s currently holding?
Pedri is the first name that comes to mind. Is it time for him to move back to the attacking midfield in the absence of Fermín and Dani Olmo?
Barcelona get a lot from Pedri when he plays in a deeper position. But as of late you can’t say the Blaugrana have been dominating the control of games with him in the double pivot. Necessity is the mother of invention, and if there were a time to move him into an advanced role, it would be now with so many attacking players sidelined.
For that to be possible, someone has to be able to step into the defensive midfield and give Flick something positive. They won’t be able to do what Pedri does, but they could offer something different that is still useful.
Marc Casadó, Eric García, and even Andreas Christensen could offer some defensive strength. Eric in particular is an interesting candidate because of his ability to make line breaking passes.
Moving Pedri to the 10 may not be Flick’s ideal scenario, but it may be what’s needed at the moment with so many defensive players available, while the attackers have been thinned out.
Go back to plan A when you can, but the moment Barcelona is in now calls for a plan B. The coach is being tested.
Of course, resting Pedri will always be necessary, which makes the point even stronger that Flick will need creative solutions to navigate Barcelona through the turbulence, while keeping the season on the rails.
If Barcelona stays calm, and wisely utilizes the talent at their disposal, they will be just fine.
It’s a long season that will ebb and flow.
This is a good opportunity for Barcelona to prove to themselves that unity makes strength. Next man up, and be ready to help wherever you’re needed.
