Hansi Flick Concerned About Barcelona's Injury Crisis, Shares Pedri Update

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick plans to consult with the club's medical team regarding their growing injury crisis, following two new setbacks on Tuesday evening. Currently, six Blaugrana players are sidelined, with only one anticipated to return soon.

Robert Lewandowski is the next player expected back, likely wearing a mask due to an eye socket fracture sustained on Saturday. Gavi will follow, though the young midfielder, out since August, isn't expected to play extensively. During the match against Atletico Madrid, both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde suffered hamstring injuries, ruling them out until April. Flick confessed to having limited immediate information post-match.

“They are sidelined, and I don't have precise details on their conditions yet. The players gave an incredible effort, more than 100%, which was fantastic. The fans, though perhaps disappointed, left content after witnessing a superb team performance.”

Hansi Flick Provides Update on Pedri's Condition

Pedri Gonzalez, recently returned from injury, completed 90 minutes in his third appearance and first start since his recovery, appearing visibly fatigued by the end. Despite his exhaustion, Flick confirmed the Canary Islander had not re-injured himself, noting that they couldn't substitute him in the final 20 minutes due to exhausted substitution options.

“I’m relieved no further injury occurred. We needed Pedri on the field, and we took a calculated risk with him. Fortunately, he's fine.”

“We must proceed incrementally, focusing on recovery, as matches are now every three or four days, which is challenging. The constant need for recovery is paramount. Naturally, I’m displeased with the injuries; we’ve paid a significant price today. It's not a good situation.”

Flick Addresses Barcelona's Broader Injury Woes

Addressing Barcelona's wider injury concerns, Flick indicated he would hold discussions with the club’s medical personnel. This comes after Frenkie de Jong was sidelined for a month just last week.

“Two additional injuries represent truly bad news. I am extremely unhappy about these setbacks; having multiple players injured is detrimental. We absolutely need to convene. Improvements are essential. We must engage with the doctors and fitness staff to strategize on preventing three players from getting injured within a single week.”

With de Jong, Kounde, and Balde joining Gavi and Andreas Christensen on the injury list, the Blaugrana are left with only five available midfielders and five defenders for the foreseeable future.