Injury-hit Barcelona reduced to three fit first-team midfielders ahead of Monaco clash

FC Barcelona have had torrid luck with injuries in recent seasons and the pattern is seemingly continuing this time around as well. Despite the renewed optimism under Hansi Flick, the club has remained unlucky with the fitness situation.

Injuries to Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in recent days have seen Barcelona take a massive hit in the midfield department. Frenkie de Jong is in the final stages of his recovery but will not be ready for the AS Monaco clash.

Now, as per SPORT, Barcelona have just three fit first-team midfielders ahead of their Champions League campaign opener – Pedri, Marc Casado, and Pablo Torre. The former two have been regular starters in Flick’s team in the holding role.

Torre on the other has not featured much so far this season but should be in line for a start with both Olmo and Fermin injured. Flick could choose to start the Spain U-21 star in the number 10 role in the absence of his regular options.

On the other hand, the German coach could choose to start Raphinha as the number 10 and Ferran Torres on the left wing although the latter is set to be ruled out of the Villarreal clash this weekend due to a red card against Girona.

One more player looks set to return to action against Monaco – Ansu Fati. The La Masia wonderkid is set to make a long-awaited return from injury and is another option to play as the attacking midfielder in Flick’s setup.

Alternatively, the German tactician could also use Guille Fernandez, the 16-year-old La Masia prodigy as the attacking midfielder in one of these games. The teenager, along with his cousin, Toni Fernandez ahead of the Monaco clash.

It remains to be seen how Flick handles this situation of injuries in the squad, especially in the midfield department. The returns of Frenkie and Gavi are imminent and let’s see how things go in the coming days.