In a little over a month, FC Barcelona will begin the 2024/25 season under the new management of Hansi Flick.
The pre-season is still yet to begin but the German tactician is already facing troubles with regard to the squad as he faces the prospect of starting the new campaign with many important players.
While things are going slow on the transfers, Barcelona are also being hit with some concerning fitness problems.
Five starters likely to be absent for the start of the season
As such, Hansi Flick is likely to be without as many as five key Barcelona players and bonafide starters for the kickoff of the new season.
Gavi, the beating heart of the Barça midfield, is still recovering from the ACL injury and is still recovering, with a return not expected at least until October.
Meanwhile, there are some major question marks over the availability of another midfielder, Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has not recovered from his recurring ankle issue yet and there are concerns growing within the club about his fitness.
At the same time, Pedri could also miss the start of the season. The 21-year-old midfield gem suffered a knee injury during Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal tie against Germany.
Pedri and Araujo picked up injuries on national team duty. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Following tests conducted by the national team’s medical staff, it is expected that the midfielder could be out for six weeks, potentially ruling him out for the start of the season.
The fourth name on the list is the latest casualty Ronald Araujo, with the Uruguayan international getting injured this past weekend, which is set to rule him out for around two months, which comes as a huge blow.
Pau Cubarsi, who will be a part of Spain’s Olympics squad, will miss pre-season and will be returning late, especially if La Roja go deep. It could to him also being absent from the start of the season.
Two more players, albeit not certain starters, Eric Garcia and Fermin Lopez, would…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/hansi-flick-will-be-without-five-barcelona-starters-for-the-new-season-kickoff/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2024-07-08 06:18:55
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