Hansi Flick has identified Rodri Hernández and Frenkie de Jong as possible emergency options in Barcelona’s defence for their Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, October 20. Reuters report that injuries to Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, with Andreas Christensen also unavailable, have left the coach short of senior defenders.
The shortage adds to the defensive concerns Barcelona carried into the PSG fixture, after a further pair of injuries left them with five fit senior defenders. Kounde and Garcia were injured on Sunday, October 18, while Christensen is also set to miss the match.
Barcelona’s centre-back concerns have now brought two midfielders into consideration for the back line. Flick has named Rodri and De Jong as alternatives, while 18-year-old centre-back Alex Campos is in the squad for the PSG game despite not yet making his Barcelona debut.
Barcelona have emergency options, but little senior cover
Campos’ inclusion gives Flick another centre-back option, though the teenager would be making his first appearance for the senior side if selected. The coach could also use Rodri or De Jong in defence, with the choice coming against a PSG side Barcelona face in a significant European test.
Raphinha is another potential returnee for the starting XI. The Brazilian could start for the first time since September 19 after a hamstring problem, providing Flick with an additional selection decision as he prepares the team.
The three unavailable defenders leave Barcelona managing a shortage at the back rather than simply replacing one injured player. Christensen’s absence has formed part of the broader defensive issue, after his injury kept him out of the picture ahead of the PSG match.
Flick expects Kounde back soon
Flick has presented Rodri and De Jong as possible solutions in central defence and said he expects Kounde to return soon. The Barcelona coach indicated that the France international could be available for Sunday’s match against Real Madrid, on October 25.
Flick also assessed the PSG fixture as an important test for his side. The immediate task is to decide whether to use a midfielder in the back line, select Campos for a senior debut, or combine those options.
Barcelona face PSG on Tuesday, with Campos in the squad and Raphinha potentially in line to start. Kounde’s possible return against Real Madrid would follow five days later, giving Barcelona a second high-profile fixture in the space of a week.
