As FC Barcelona is in a crucial stage of the season with an outstanding season-ending. Barcelona is fighting for the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League glory. As FC Barcelona chases a historic treble this season after almost a decade, after lifting it under Luis Enrique with the famous Messi, Neymar, and Suarez trio. FC Barcelona faces a challenge of injuries at this crunch time of the season. With some major games on the line, Barcelona’s squad depth is being tested to its fullest at the wrong period of the season. The players injured early in the season included Marc Bernal, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, and Marc Casado. Recent injuries include Robert Lewandowski, and Alejandro Balde, and the latest addition being Jules Kounde who picked up a rare injury against Inter Milan. Hansi Flick will be forced to make rotations in La Liga games against low-tier sides.
Balde’s Blow on the Left Back Position
Barcelona got a scraping 1-0 win away from home against Leganes, Barcelona’s starlet left-back had to go off the pitch after suffering a muscle injury. Balde got injured in the 28th minute of the game as he was chasing a counterattack, he felt a sudden sharp pain in the back of his left thigh, he was visibly frustrated upon leaving the pitch and was replaced by Gerard Martín.
Balde’s injury has left a major void in FC Barcelona’s left-back position. FC Barcelona faces a big challenge in the build-up play and defensive stability on the left side. His absence not only affects the team’s wide play but is also forcing Hansi Flick to find different solutions. The role has been handed to Gerard Martin, a player who emerged from the ranks of La Masia under Hansi Flick this season. But he is not performing what Barcelona needs. Barcelona conceded three goals against Inter yesterday, two coming from his inexperience. Balde’s injury is damaging Barcelona in high-intensity games where his pace and transitions are irreplaceable.
Lewandowski’s Scoring Being Missed
Another player of Flick’s starting eleven picked up an injury at the worst time of the season. Robert Lewandowski was in blistering form under Hansi Flick this season, fighting for the top-scorer award in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League at this age. Barcelona does not have any natural number nine who could replace him right away. Flick has trusted Ferran Toress to fill Lewandowski’s role, but he is also struggling in games with low-block opponents. We observed in Barcelona’s game against Inter, due to Inter’s low-block tactic the wingers were filling up the box with crosses which needed a proper finish which Lewandowski has mastered. Barcelona missed a lot of chances in those, missing the Polish.
Koundé’s Injury after No Rest
Koundé is the latest addition to this injury list. He picked up a calf injury against Inter Milan, the reported recovery time is two to three weeks. He was a crucial player in Hansi Flick’s system who started a consecutive 104 games for club and country. He got caught up with fatigue and lack of recovery overloading his muscles and calf due to the high production of lactic acid. Barcelona has few options who could start above him including Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Hector Fort. Let’s see what Hansi Flick does to fill the Frenchmen’s void.
