Barcelona turn to youth as defensive injuries test Hansi Flick before Alavés clash
Barcelona have called on their reserve and academy players as Hansi Flick prepares for a La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alavés, with injuries leaving the first-team defence short of options. The Catalan side completed their final training session on Friday at the Joan Gamper Sports City ahead of Saturday’s matchday 11 fixture, aiming to return to winning form and protect their position at the top of the table.
The main concern is Jules Koundé, who was absent from training throughout the week and is not expected to be available against Alavés. His absence adds to an already difficult situation for Flick, whose defensive choices have been reduced by several injuries. Eric García, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart are also sidelined, while Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji are unavailable as well.
Reserve players provide cover for depleted defence
With several senior defenders missing, Flick again brought young players into the first-team training group. Nineteen-year-old right-back Guillem Víctor and 18-year-old right-sided centre-back Álex Campos were among those given the opportunity to work with the senior squad. Both could be considered for the matchday squad, depending on the coach’s final assessment of the available options.
Campos has already experienced the demands of Barcelona’s high-profile fixtures, having been included in the squad for games against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Although being named in a squad does not guarantee playing time, his previous involvement suggests that Flick and his staff are familiar with his progress and may view him as a possible solution if the defensive shortage deepens.
Víctor, meanwhile, offers cover at right-back, a position where Barcelona may need flexibility if established players are unavailable or required elsewhere. The young defender’s inclusion reflects a broader feature of the club’s approach: when injuries disrupt the first team, Barcelona often look to La Masia and the reserve ranks rather than rely solely on a reduced group of senior players.
Academy talent continues to train with the first team
Sixteen-year-old Ibrima Tunkara also continued to train with the senior squad. Able to operate as an inside midfielder or playmaker, he is a different type of option from the defenders called up for cover. His presence highlights how Flick’s training groups can include emerging players from several positions, giving the coaching staff a closer look at their readiness and development.
Goalkeeper Max Bonfill joined the session as well, working alongside Joan García, Wojciech Szczęsny and Dominik Livaković. Training with experienced senior goalkeepers can provide a valuable learning environment for a young player, while also helping the staff maintain numbers and intensity during preparations.
Barcelona’s use of youth is not simply a matter of filling spaces on the training pitch. A demanding schedule can make squad depth vital, and young players who understand the club’s style may be asked to step into senior football with limited notice. For Flick, the challenge is to balance that opportunity with the need to field a side capable of controlling a difficult league match.
High-intensity preparation, with a brief Raphinha scare
Friday’s session began with small-sided games, which gradually increased in pace and intensity. The work was designed to sharpen the players ahead of the Alavés fixture, with the group focused on regaining momentum and maintaining Barcelona’s place near the top of La Liga. Media representatives were permitted to watch only the first 15 minutes before leaving the facilities, so the later tactical work remained private.
There was a brief moment of concern when Raphinha felt discomfort after an accidental collision with Fermín López while contesting the ball. López quickly went over to apologise, and the Brazilian winger soon raised his thumb to indicate that he was all right. He then continued training at full intensity, easing fears that the incident had caused a fresh injury setback.
Even so, Barcelona will be monitoring Raphinha’s condition closely, particularly with key players already missing. A further absence would reduce Flick’s attacking options at a time when the team needs to turn its preparation into a strong performance on the pitch.
What the injury crisis means for Barcelona’s prediction
Barcelona’s defensive absences make the match less straightforward than a routine home fixture might appear. Alavés will have an opportunity to test a backline that could feature players with limited first-team experience, while Flick must decide whether to use academy prospects, adjust the positions of established players or combine both approaches.
The likely match prediction will depend heavily on how effectively Barcelona manage that uncertainty. Their technical quality and home advantage should make them favourites, but defensive coordination will be crucial. If the young players settle quickly and the midfield offers protection, Barcelona can still control possession and create enough chances to secure a positive result. If communication breaks down, Alavés may look to exploit space behind the defence and make the contest uncomfortable.
For Flick, the priority is not only finding a short-term replacement for Koundé but ensuring that the team remains organised as a unit. Full-backs and centre-backs must coordinate their positioning, while midfielders may need to drop deeper to help limit counterattacks. These adjustments could shape the tempo of the game as much as Barcelona’s attacking play.
Flick faces a decisive selection challenge
Barcelona’s final training session offered a snapshot of the balance Flick must strike: prepare for an important La Liga match while coping with a defence disrupted by injuries. The involvement of Guillem Víctor, Álex Campos and other young players gives the coach additional choices, but it also underlines the scale of the challenge facing the squad.
With the league leaders seeking a return to winning ways, the Alavés clash will test both Barcelona’s depth and their ability to adapt. The academy players could provide valuable cover, and the opportunity may become an important step in their development. Ultimately, however, the result will depend on whether Flick can assemble a disciplined defence and keep the team’s attacking rhythm intact despite the growing list of absentees.
