After a draining 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, Barcelona has some big squad management decisions to make.
As the second leg approaches, and with a must-win La Liga game against Real Valladolid this weekend, Hansi Flick needs to navigate the fatigue concerns, as well as the risk of suspensions that could jeopardize their title hopes.
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona has four potential players walking a disciplinary tightrope – one yellow card away from missing the season-defining El Clásico.
And this complicates things for Flick, as he has to juggle European aspirations and local commitments.
The players at risk are Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Raphinha, and Gavi, of whom three are key players.
The reality is that Koundé, who’s injured, would rule him out of the El Clásico anyway, and Flick will have to consider Raphinha & Martínez, and weigh up full rest or a potential 90 minutes against Valladolid with the risks of injuries or suspensions.
Gavi presents the most complicated situation.
Assuming he will start on Sunday against Valladolid because of his rotational role, the intense midfielder’s competitive temperament leaves him susceptible to bookings, which will make what Flick will have to tell the 19-year-old unusual.
While Flick will probably simply ask him to calm down, that may be virtually impossible, given his temperament.
After all, Barcelona cannot possibly have expected such a straightforward fixture against Valladolid, who have already been relegated, but the possibility of a suspension of Gavi now turns the fixture into tactical planning madness.
How Barcelona negotiates a fine balance in this fixture has the potential to shape this season.
Flick’s rotation of players with the full focus on managing players will be a focal point, as Barcelona drives on two challenging fronts.
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