Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is preparing to rotate his squad as the club face a demanding run of fixtures, with players who have had limited opportunities so far expected to play a greater role.
Flick is convinced major trophies cannot be won by relying on only 11 regular starters. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, he wants to maintain a competitive level across the entire squad and ensure every player is ready to contribute.
His message to the Barcelona dressing room during the international break has been clear: “Recharge your batteries and make the most of the break, but return fully focused. Everyone must be ready, because rotation is coming.”
Players who remained at Barcelona’s training centre were given nine days of complete rest to recover, but the coaching staff also prepared individual programmes for them. The aim was to preserve their fitness and sharpness while team-mates accumulated demanding minutes with their national sides.
The extended break was unusual, and physical trainer Benjamin Kugel and his staff wanted those who stayed behind to avoid returning with the feeling that they had spent too long without group training.
Barcelona are set to face a schedule of two matches a week, making changes unavoidable. Their programme includes difficult European away fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes and Galatasaray in Turkey, as well as the much-anticipated Clasico against Real Madrid on 25 October.
Opportunity for the fringe players
Several members of the squad have yet to establish themselves in the opening eight competitive matches of the season. Gabriel Jesus, Hamza Abdulkarim and Brian Farineas have not started a game, while Alejandro Balde and Gavi have played fewer minutes than in previous seasons, when they were important figures for Flick.
The German believes the whole group must be 100% prepared when called upon. Gabriel Jesus has made intermittent appearances and scored two goals, and Sport reports he is likely to be included in the squad after the break.
Brian Farineas is in a different situation, having regularly been left out of matchday squads at the start of the campaign. Flick personally blocked a move to Girona during the summer transfer window because of his belief in the player’s ability. He also reassured him that his opportunity would come sooner rather than later, particularly with many Barcelona players returning from international duty fatigued.
Injury concerns after international duty
Barcelona’s staff were aware of the dangers posed by the break, including increased physical workloads and long journeys. Those concerns materialised when Raphinha returned injured after playing for Brazil.
With the match against Getafe approaching, Flick could decide not to risk the Brazil forward. His possible absence would create an opening for Gabriel Jesus or Hamza Abdulkarim to make a first start of the season.
There are also concerns over the workload carried by Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon with their national teams. In defence, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart have also played significant numbers of minutes.
Eric Garcia returned early after reporting slight discomfort, and Barcelona will now decide whether to manage his condition cautiously.
