2 key Barcelona stars were notably absent from training as Hansi Flick’s side prepares for their La Liga clash against Real Betis.
The timing is far from ideal for Hansi Flick, who is already managing a demanding run of fixtures and now faces another selection puzzle before a tough domestic test.
As Barcelona continues to balance fitness, rotation, and results, the latest training absentee update has added uncertainty to their preparations and raised questions about how strong the team will look on matchday.
The absence of key names so close to the game has naturally become a major talking point.
The players missing from the session are Frenkie de Jong and Marcus Rashford, two high-profile figures whose availability can have a major impact on Barcelona’s attacking rhythm and control in midfield, as reported by Diario Sport.
Their absence has immediately sparked concern, especially because both are central to the team’s balance and quality in possession.
Whether the issue is precautionary, physical discomfort, or simple load management, Flick will be hoping the situation is not more serious than it appears.
For Barcelona, the staff will now be monitoring both players closely in the hours leading up to the Betis clash.
In modern squad management, especially during a packed season, the line between caution and urgency is often very fine.
But when two crucial players are missing together, the coaching staff must consider both the short-term match plan and the bigger picture of keeping them fit for the run-in.
Losing both at once can force Flick into tactical adjustments that affect how the team presses, builds play, and attacks space.
There is still some time before the final decision is made, but Barcelona will be hoping the situation improves quickly.
The club cannot afford to lose momentum at this stage of the season, and much now depends on how both players respond in the coming training sessions.
