Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is having to deal with a significant challenge due to the current state of their defence at a crucial time.
Barcelona are preparing for a crucial La Liga derby against Espanyol to allow them the opportunity to further establish their title credentials.
The defence has shown some signs of instability recently, and now will have to adapt to yet another forced revision, making it even more debatable given the importance of the situation as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The reason behind this shake-up is Inigo Martínez’s recent yellow card, which led to a suspension.
Martínez is an important figure in Flick’s defence, given his leadership and voice on the pitch in addition to being a central component of his game.
He will leave a big gap for Hansi Flick to fill, and he might be pushed to do so in defensive shape.
Eric Garcia will likely be at right-back, as he has been there recently due to Jules Koundé’s injury.
Alejandro Balde may come back at left-back, although that may depend on how Flick feels about returning Balde to the pitch.
In the centre-back position, Pau Cubarsí will be given the starting nod as he continues to be great in those roles, and they surely will find ways to continue to play him.
The question mark will come in the partner spot for knowing that Cubarsí will start, with Ronald Araujo being a solid option when deemed fit.
If he is not deemed fit, Andreas Christensen will surely continue to be a candidate after he played so strongly towards the end of the match against Real Madrid in el Clásico.
This new defence lacks cohesion and has never played in this form during such a demanding point in the season.
Espanyol will undoubtedly take advantage of any weaknesses, so maintaining both balance and chemistry is key.
Barcelona’s steering wheel rests with this re-jig backline when their new defence is going to show some giddy-up.
While Hansi Flick thinks about which way to turn, the Camp Nou faithful will be hoping this jiggery-pokery will deliver a performance befitting a title-contending team in the pressure-cooker of a derby.
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