As we wind down into the business end of the 2024/25 campaign, Hansi Flick has been handed a headache thanks to a knee injury to Marc Casado that’s set to keep him out for the next two months.
Though the midfielder has been something of an unsung hero during the season so far, his contribution has been important and there’s no doubt he’ll be missed.
The 21-year-old has started 20 of Barca’s 27 Liga matches and seven of their 10 Champions League games. But with Casado now potentially out for the season, Flick is going to have to find a way to cope without the talented youngster.
The Barca boss does have several options and players that offer something completely different too, and it’s difficult to know which way Flick will go.
FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - Copa del Rey Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Gavi can always be relied on to put in a shift and wear the shirt with pride and can also provide the tackles and tenacity usually supplied by Casado.
His desire and will to win absolutely can’t be questioned, however, there is a sense that Flick prefers Gavi higher up the pitch than in Casado’s position.
Eric Garcia remains a conundrum but for totally different reasons to Gavi.
Able to play centre-back or the pivot role with equal aplomb, Eric’s versatility could be used to great effect in the final few games of the season.
Flick appeared adamant that the 24-year-old wasn’t to be sold in the January transfer window too, and that can only be because the first-team coach sees something in the player that marks him out amongst his contemporaries.
FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Rudimentary errors in his game appear to be a thing of the past, and he’s grown into his place in the squad.
Andreas Christensen is another potential option for Flick, although doubts remain over his fitness after a frustrating so far and we’ll have to wait and see how he fares when he finally makes his comeback.
Frenkie de Jong will take the captain’s armband if he’s installed in Casado’s stead, and he’ll be tasked to be a driving force in the middle of the park.
FC Barcelona v Valencia CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Dutchman isn’t quite as dynamic and purposeful as he used to be but has put in some impressive showings in recent months. The hope is that he can find his very best form exactly when Barcelona need to him the most.
He certainly does have the experience and nous to know what it takes to see out a season under the type of title pressure that Barca are experiencing at present.
A calm head will be as vital as his specific set of skills, and that should tip the balance in his favour - the big question will be who takes over from De Jong on the occasions when the Dutchman does need a rest during the run-in.