Barcelona are dealing with a major defensive injury crisis before the match against Alavés on Saturday. SI said the club could promote four La Masia players to help in defense as Hansi Flick works with limited senior options.
Defensive absences mount
Eric García, Jules Koundé and Xavi Espart are out of action for some time, joining injured center back Andreas Christensen. Flick has just four defenders with first team experience at his disposal in João Cancelo, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsí.
Four academy players named by SI
SI said Barcelona could turn to Hafiz Gariba, Guillem Víctor, Álex Campos and Brian Fariñas. SI said Gariba is a 19-year-old Ghanaian center back who is not registered to play in the Champions League but could be an option for La Liga matches. SI also said Víctor, 19, is a versatile fullback who has started all but one game at right back for Barça Atlétic this season.
Campos and Fariñas details
SI said Campos featured on the bench against PSG and Real Madrid. SI also said Fariñas featured in all six of Barcelona’s preseason games and has been an unused substitute in nine of Barça’s opening 13 games of the campaign.
Flick on Fariñas
Before the match against Alavés, when asked if Fariñas could be an option at fullback, Flick said: "Yes, could also be an option to play on this side."
Flick said: "Brian is a very intelligent player and he’s now training with us from the beginning of the season, and he’s also making a fantastic job. I think also it’s the time ... Hee deserves to play."
