Injury Worries Loom as Barcelona Readies for Celta Vigo Clash
9 November 2025
Match Day Jitters and Lineup Changes
Barcelona’s German coach Hans Flick tweaked the XI minutes before kickoff for the Balaídos clash in La Liga’s Round 12. The young Spaniard Marc Casado started in the lineup, but he pulled up with a physical issue during the warm-up and was replaced by Dani Olmo.
Moments before the start, Flick made a late substitution, bringing Olmo on for Casado.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, the reason cited was "physical problems" without specifics; other outlets suggested Casado may have felt pains in the warm-up, forcing the change.
In truth, Casado’s exit did not have a noticeable effect; he was seen urging his colleagues as the team returned to the dressing room at halftime.
Barcelona is expected to release an official medical update detailing the nature of Casado’s injury.
Flick’s Remarks and the Road Ahead
Flick acknowledged that injuries have cost him key players and emphasized that the La Liga title race remains long; the team will fight until the season ends in May.
He added: "Selta Vigo are in a great moment, winning four straight and showing better dynamics than us currently. But everything will hinge on our approach to the game. I spoke with the players—we urgently need the three points."
Regarding support from club president Laporta, Flick noted that the backing is always important and they need more trust.
He also pointed out defensive shape concerns: "Against Club Brugge our backline sometimes sat a bit too deep, attackers were far from danger zones. We must be more connected with and without the ball, something we are missing now. We discussed it and hope to apply it better against Celta Vigo."
Asked about players’ commitment and belief in the project as in last season, Flick responded with confidence: "I am convinced they know exactly what to do."
No new signings
Deco, Barca’s sporting director, said the club does not plan to add players in the winter window; all 2026 signings will come in the summer. Barcelona had brought in only three players last summer: goalkeeper Juan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Ronny Bardji.
He added: "If we are on track and there are no surprises, a winter window isn’t necessary. We know precisely where we can improve; last season threw us tough moments, and we navigated through them."
When asked about the impact of injuries on performance, he noted: "When we ease the tempo, we suffer. We need the best players, no excuses, but injuries hitting the midfield force us to adjust, even when we win."
Punchlines
In the end, if injuries ran a league, Barca would be crowned champions of the bench press. And yes, the medical bulletin might steal the show, but the ball still has a say at the Balaídos theater.
