A key Barcelona star has been officially sidelined for the Osasuna clash following medical confirmation of a significant fitness concern.
The veteran, a mainstay in the squad’s recent dominance with six straight league wins, was expected to feature despite the congested schedule of three matches in nine days.
However, medical staff confirmed his absence after isolating him from the group to prevent the spread. This late blow compounds existing injuries to Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, and Gavi, forcing further adjustments in a defence already stretched, while Flick balances fatigue management ahead of Copa del Rey and Villarreal tests.
Barcelona’s perfect home record – unbeaten since returning to the stadium – faces scrutiny, with Osasuna arriving off back-to-back wins and Ante Budimir posing threats up top.
That star is Wojciech Szczesny, the experienced goalkeeper whose stomach bug rules him out entirely, handing Joan Garcia another start between the posts, as reported by the official FC Barcelona X.
Signed as emergency cover in the summer, the 35-year-old Pole has featured sporadically but impressed with clean sheets, yet his unavailability tests Barcelona’s depth amid Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s ongoing recovery from long-term injury.
Garcia, thriving as first-choice, now shoulders full responsibility, backed by a backline likely featuring Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.
Flick’s response emphasises squad resilience, viewing the absence as an opportunity for youth integration while maintaining the high press and build-up that has propelled Barcelona four points clear at the summit.
Osasuna’s counterattacking style under Vicente Moreno demands vigilance, but Barcelona’s attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, remains lethal.
With Ferran Torres in red-hot form (11 goals), the Catalans aim to extend their streak, turning adversity into another statement win before the festive fixtures intensify.
This gastroenteritis episode underscores the fine margins in title races, but Flick’s adaptability has defined his tenure so far.
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