Those issues have been exacerbated in recent weeks as Barca have lost a flurry of key players to injury. It is the last thing they needed given how small the squad is already.
Ewa Pajor, who scored more than 50 goals for club and country last season, is out for at least another few weeks with a knee injury; Patri Guijarro, arguably the best holding midfielder in the world, won’t play again until the New Year; and Salma Paralluelo may well be on the sidelines with her until 2026, after suffering an injury on international duty with Spain last week. That Kika Nazareth also picked up a knock while away with Portugal added salt to Barca's wounds.
It left the Spanish champions with just seven players on the bench for Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad, just four of whom were senior outfield players. The likes of Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, with five Ballons d'Or between them, were still able to start and play 90 minutes, but they unfortunately could not inspire their side to a better result as La Real enjoyed a memorable outing.