FC Barcelona prepares for its La Liga match against Girona this Saturday with a significantly depleted attack. Key offensive players – including Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha
– will miss the game due to injuries and recent international duties, forcing Hansi Flick to rethink his attacking options. This absence affects four of the five top scorers from last season, leaving the Catalan side to find new ways to generate goals.
Marcus Rashford emerges as the most reliable option in the front line. The English forward has already scored three goals and provided four assists this season, making him the team’s most productive offensive contributor. Rashford also ranks high in goal efficiency, surpassing his xG by 1.2, while Fermín López leads in expected goal difference with +1.6. Rashford has played as a winger so far for Barcelona but he is capable of playing as a striker, and he may indeed need to given all the injures.
It’s unclear if Fermín will be available or not, or to what extent he will be able to play, but he could play either in attacking midfield or as a winger.
Returning from injury, Lamine Yamal offers another potential attacking boost, though Flick is cautious about starting him immediately. Roony Bardghji and Alejandro Balde could also play important roles, with Balde potentially deployed as a left winger and Bardghji on the right, providing fresh options in a reshuffled front. Balde is by nature a fullback, so that will be an interesting tactical quirk if it comes to pass.
Barcelona’s squad also benefits from the youth ranks ahead of the Girona game. Players from the academy, such as Juan Hernández, Jofre Torrents, Xavi Espart, Dro Fernández, and Toni Fernández, trained with the first team during the pre-match session. Dro and Toni Fernández (who is, crucially, a forward) appear most likely to see action.
In midfield, Pedri’s role is extremely important but it has to be balanced against a heavy workload. Flick must decide whether to maintain him as a central midfielder, which could leave room for Dro in the attacking midfield, or to rest Pedri, and potentially play Dro further back. Frenkie de Jong, Fermín, and Marc Casadó could also be options in midfield, though of course, Gavi is out with an injury.
In defense, options are broader, with Jules Koundé and Eric García competing for the right-back spot and Gerard Martín as a possible left-back if Balde moves forward. Central defense could see Ronald Araujo paired with Pau Cubarsí.
In goal, Barcelona must rely on Wojciech Szczęsny as their other two goalkeepers – Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen – are injured.
The match comes after a challenging period for Barça, with recent defeats highlighting the need to regain momentum before the upcoming Clásico and UEFA Champions League encounters. Flick’s tactical adjustments will be crucial to maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Barcelona currently sits second in LaLiga, two points behind Real Madrid, and faces Girona needing a strong performance to sustain its title ambitions. The game also serves as a testing ground for younger squad members and alternative attacking combinations in light of the injury crisis.
