Hansi Flick plans changes in Barcelona’s midfield: Casadó and Pedri should replace injured De Jong and Gavi
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick prepares lineup adjustments as injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Gavi force midfield reshuffle.
De Jong and Gavi sidelined
Barcelona faces a midfield dilemma after Gavi suffered a knee injury, which the club plans to treat conservatively. Similarly, Frenkie de Jong returned from international duty injured, and the coaching staff has opted not to rush his recovery.
As a result, Marc Casadó and Pedri are expected to take over the central midfield roles in upcoming matches, according to journalist Ferran Correas from Sport.
Alternative midfield options
In addition to Casadó and Pedri, Flick could also consider Dani Olmo and Fermín López for the attacking midfield role. Casadó has played 45 minutes in one match so far this season (3-2 win over Levante), while Pedri has featured in three games, scoring once and netting twice for Spain in his last international appearance.
Olmo has appeared in all three of Barcelona’s matches this season, while Fermín López has featured in two, with Flick keeping him in the squad for additional midfield depth.
Upcoming La Liga clash
Barcelona returns to action after the international break to face Valencia in Round 4 of La Liga. Their last league match ended in a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, prompting Flick to meet with his coaching staff to address squad dynamics and manage egos.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), likely at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, with Casadó and Pedri expected to start in midfield.
