According to a report by Diario AS, Frenkie de Jong has an adductor strain. The player could be rested against Girona so that he can be ready for the Copa Del Rey second leg against Atletico. Hansi Flick now has a huge task to find a replacement for the Dutch midfielder as Marc Casado is also injured and out for the season.
Eric Garcia alongside Pedri
Eric Garcia can work out as a decent temporary replacement, as Flick has played him in the position at times this season. Not as good as Frenkie or Casado, but Eric Garcia is good on the ball and can be a good distributor in the midfield. He can also provide defensive security with his defensive skills to shield Barca from counterattacks. He can form a double pivot alongside Pedri, who can compensate with his ball retention skills.
Pedri and Gavi in a double pivot
Pedri and Gavi, no.8 and no.6. The classic midfield duo at Barcelona can be an effective solution to the crisis at hand. Gavi was exceptional vs Osasuna as he started out as a left winger, then moved to the no.10 role after Olmo’s injury and then to Frenkie’s role after his substitution at halftime. In all those roles, he had a solid performance, and Hansi Flick praised the La Masia graduate in the pre-match conference of the game vs Girona.
