Barcelona have been hit with a wave of injuries just as one of the biggest fixtures of the season approaches — their clash vs Real Madrid. The depth of the squad is under serious strain, raising questions about how Hansi Flick will line up and whether key players will be fit in time.
Key absences
- Robert Lewandowski has suffered a torn thigh muscle (specifically, a torn biceps femoris) while on international duty with Poland. The injury is expected to keep him out for roughly 4-6 weeks, ruling him out of El Clásico.
- Dani Olmo is also sidelined with a muscle injury after being sent home from Spain duty due to discomfort in his leg.
- Gavi is out following knee surgery for a meniscus injury. Recovery is expected to take around five to six weeks.
- Raphinha is another concern: the winger’s hamstring problem is taking longer than initially hoped, putting his participation in El Clásico in serious doubt.
- Marc-André ter Stegen is unavailable recovering from back surgery.
- Joan García (keeper), Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and others are also among those unavailable or doubtful.
The impact
- With over 30% of Barcelona’s senior squad unavailable, Flick has fewer options both in attack and midfield. Losing Lewandowski removes a major goal threat, while multiple creative and midfield players being out (Gavi, Olmo, Raphinha) means less depth and fewer tactical choices.
- The match sharpness of some of the recovering players is also a concern. Even if some return in time, there’s a risk they won’t be fully match-fit or up to the physical demands of El Clásico.
Real Madrid’s side
While Barcelona face more extensive issues, Real Madrid also have several defensive concerns. Players like Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal, and Antonio Rüdiger are among those doubtful or out, reducing their options in the back line.
What Flick might do
- Shift formations or rely on less-used players and youth to fill gaps.
- Possibly change attacking strategy to compensate for the absence of Lewandowski, perhaps using alternative forwards or pushing players like Ferran Torres or Lamine Yamal (if fit) to more prominent roles.
- Manage playing time carefully for those returning from injury, to avoid further setbacks.
In short, Barcelona’s challenge is steep. The upcoming El Clásico could come at exactly the wrong moment in terms of squad health. Their ability to adapt, not only through substitutions but also through tactics and recovery management, will be crucial.
