Barcelona will be facing a tough challenge when they travel to Villarreal for their La Liga match on Sunday. The Catalan giants will be without several key players due to injuries, but coach Hansi Flick remains confident in his squad’s ability to overcome the adversity.
The injury woes at Barcelona continue, with midfielder Fermin Lopez joining the growing list of absentees. Lopez suffered a muscular injury in his right thigh during training on Tuesday, adding to the team’s existing concerns. The club is already missing new signing Dani Olmo, who is expected to be out for up to five weeks with a right hamstring injury. Other notable absentees include midfielders Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Marc Bernal, as well as defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
Despite the mounting injury concerns, Flick remains optimistic. “When we started the season, I said there would be no excuses,” Flick told reporters ahead of the match. “We’re going to be able to manage the game, although we’ll be careful with some players carrying a lot of load.” He also expressed confidence in the players who will be stepping in to fill the gaps. “Tomorrow we’ll manage this, although I’m sure that those who come on will be at 100%. The medical team is helping us and we are taking special care of (Pau) Cubarsi, who has been recovering.”
Barcelona has enjoyed a perfect start to the La Liga season under Flick, winning their first five matches and currently sitting at the top of the table, four points ahead of defending champions Real Madrid. Villarreal, on the other hand, is in fourth place with three wins and two draws in their five matches.
“We have a great team, and we have shown it,” Flick said. “Every season it’s the same, there are weeks when you lose several players, but as a coach, it’s something you have to accept. “Now we have to focus on those who are available to prepare them for the next game.”
Barcelona’s only defeat so far this season came in their Champions League opener against Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, where they lost 2-1. The team will be looking to bounce back from that loss and maintain their winning momentum in La Liga. With Flick’s unwavering belief in his squad and the team’s impressive start to the season, Barcelona will be aiming for a hard-fought victory despite the challenges they face.
