A key Barcelona star is struck by a huge injury blow ahead of the decisive UEFA Champions League showdown.
The forward’s absence compounds selection headaches after Raphinha’s recent thigh issue and Lamine Yamal’s suspension, forcing yet another tactical tweak just as Barcelona seeks to maintain its domestic dominance and European momentum.
With a Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete on the horizon and a testing La Liga clash versus Real Oviedo looming, the medical room’s traffic threatens to disrupt the Catalans’ relentless schedule.
Flick’s squad depth will face stern examination in Czechia, where Slavia’s compact Eden Arena setup demands precision and alternatives up top.
That star is Ferran Torres, ruled out of the midweek showdown after hamstring discomfort flared during the Real Sociedad victory, as reported by AS.
The Spaniard has not travelled with the squad, as confirmed by AS, with medical staff opting for caution to prevent a longer layoff—his status for Oviedo remains touch-and-go pending recovery progress over the next 48 hours.
Torres’ versatility has been invaluable this season, rotating across the front three and even dropping deeper to link play.
His setback robs Flick of a key pressing threat and finisher, who has notched crucial goals while easing the load on Lewandowski and Rashford.
Alternatives include ramping up minutes for Dani Olmo in advanced roles, Roony Bardghji’s emergence from the bench, or shifting Marcus Rashford centrally—though the Englishman dazzled against Sociedad.
Youth prospects from La Masia could also earn rare European minutes if Hansi Flick prioritises rotation.
The bigger picture underscores Barcelona’s injury vulnerability amid a packed fixture calendar.
For now, the Valencian’s hamstring niggles symbolise the fine line between triumph and turmoil in Barça’s multi-front campaign.
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