A key Barcelona defender suffers a fresh injury blow with serious doubt hanging over the Osasuna showdown.
The versatile centre-back, increasingly trusted in a backline reshaped by injuries and tactical evolution, missed Thursday’s training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper ahead of a crucial Osasuna clash, sending ripples through a squad already navigating rotation challenges post-Frankfurt victory.
With the management opting for caution to protect squad depth during a congested festive schedule, this absence underscores the fragility of Flick’s high-line system, where every personnel change tests adaptability against pressing opponents hungry for slip-ups.
The player is Gerard Martín, the 23-year-old defender thriving as a centre-back option under Flick, who sat out training due to a minor ailment that poses no long-term threat, but precautionary measures ensure his availability for Saturday’s match, as reported by Diario Sport.
Reports confirm Martín will return to full sessions on Friday, with club medics ruling out serious concerns after assessing the issue that sidelined him from tactical drills and recovery work following the Champions League win.
Martín’s emergence as a reliable squad player—capable of covering left centre-back or full-back roles—has delighted Flick, mirroring Eric García’s versatility after his recent contract extension to 2031.
His commitment and ball-playing ability fit perfectly into Barcelona’s possession game, making even brief absences noteworthy when paired with longer-term doubts around Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé’s positional strains.
The Osasuna fixture represents a chance to extend their La Liga lead, but Martín’s minor problem highlights ongoing depth management amid a positive week marked by Dani Olmo’s recovery progress and youth integration like academy talents Dro and Tommy Marques training with the seniors.
Hansi Flick cancelled Wednesday’s recovery for rest, prioritizing freshness, yet such hiccups remind us why Barcelona invested in versatile profiles to weather the storm of multi-competition demands.
Martín’s swift return is expected; the focus shifts to maintaining momentum without unnecessary risks.
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