Emergency Tactics at Montjuïc: Flick’s Makeshift Barça Face Girona in La Liga Chaos

Injury-hit Barça braces for Girona clash

Barcelona enter this La Liga duel with a genuine attacking crisis after injuries to Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres, with Torres officially ruled out on Friday. The shortage forces coach Hansi Flick into a difficult starting XI selection not only up front but across midfield as well.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rafinha remains out, Gavi is sidelined, and Ter Stegen is unavailable, with backup keeper Juan Garcia expected to miss more time. In this emergency, Flick has gone for some bold, unconventional moves, including pushing Alejandro Balde to the left wing.

With Torres and Lewandowski out, Marcus Rashford appears the most plausible center-forward option, drawing on his long Premier League experience. The other wing could be Lamine Yamal, who may start despite plans to ease him back into action.

Midfield tweaks are on the table as Flick reportedly weighs a Casado-Pedri pivot, with Frenkie de Jong pushed forward into a playmaking role and Pedri granted more forward freedom as the match unfolds.

Defensively, no major overhauls are expected unless Alejandro Araújo returns after a rest, while the backline could see adjustments if needed. To guard against surprises, Flick has even called up academy players for training, including Chavi Espart, Juan Fernandez, and Eder Aller who would serve as a third-choice keeper if required.

Barça must respond quickly; Girona aims to spoil a tense week

Barcelona arrive with a mandate to rebound after two losses, while a high-spirited Girona presents a stern test. There are eight days left to the Clasico with Real Madrid, but the focus is on restoring balance at Montjuïc before their European date with Olympiacos on Tuesday.

Girona, fresh from a 2-1 win over Valencia, sit precariously near the relegation zone, while Barça's recent results include defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla, leaving the team in a sour mood as the break ends. The Blaugrana are feeling the FIFA virus effects: Olmo could not feature for Spain, Lewandowski returned from Poland carrying an injury, and Torres reported muscular fatigue after the first Spain game, being rested as a precaution ahead of the Clasico. Rafinha is also missing, while Yamal has recovered, and Lewandowski, among others, will be monitored.

Flick stressed in yesterday's press conference that they must improve the overall situation; simply winning three titles last year is not enough. Over the last two weeks he’s sought reasons for the drop in performance and led a motivational meeting with players, recalling the December nightmare last season when a couple of defeats sparked a 24-match unbeaten streak that reignited their form.

Yamal's return is a boost, even if not at full throttle, and the squad knows success today requires collective commitment on and off the pitch. Girona will not be an easy opponent, even with several absences, and the press writes that Barcelona understands that “winning at the Bernabéu” starts here — this win is not optional but essential.

Punchline 1: If injuries were trophies, Barça would be world champions by now—yet the real gold still sits in the net, not the medical room.

Punchline 2: Flick's plan is so makeshift that even the bench is requesting hazard pay—call it DIY Barça.