German coach insists squad must “find solutions” ahead of tricky run of fixtures
Hansi Flick has said Barcelona may have to rely on their academy and fringe players as injuries continue to limit his options ahead of Saturday’s La Liga game against Girona.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Barcelona coach admitted the club’s injury situation was serious but that they had to “find solutions”.
“We have to manage the situation,” Flick said. “That’s our job.
“The academy players may get their chance, as well as those who haven’t had many minutes so far.”
Barcelona’s list of absentees is lengthy and seemingly continues to increase every week. Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all out.
The list would have been still longer but the club had some reprieve this week after Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez returned to training, although the duo haven’t reached full fitness yet.
Flick confirmed they were “back, but they can’t yet play the full 90 minutes”.
Raphinha is still sidelined but could yet return in time for the clásico on 26 October, with Flick saying the Brazilian winger was “on the right track”.
The news is not as positive regarding Lewandowski.
“I don’t think there’s another player who takes better care of his body than Lewy,” Barcelona’s coach said.
“At his age, nobody is in such great shape. So, it’s not good news, but we have to deal with it.”
