Barcelona’s preparations for the weekend clash against Elche are well underway as Hansi Flick continues to navigate an injury-hit midfield.
The Catalan side have endured a tough spell in recent weeks, with several key players sidelined, forcing Flick to turn to youth options within the club’s academy setup.
The manager has made no secret of his admiration for La Masia talent, frequently integrating youngsters into first-team training sessions to test their readiness for top-flight competition.
As Barcelona aim to maintain momentum in La Liga, the blend of experience and youth has become central to Flick’s approach.
With the squad stretched thin, fresh faces from Barca Atletic are being closely assessed ahead of this weekend’s fixture.
One such name attracting attention is 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marques, who trained with the first team at Ciutat Esportiva today, on the same day he celebrated his birthday.
According to SPORT, there is growing belief within the club that Tommy Marques could earn a first-ever senior call-up for the weekend’s match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
With Pedri sidelined for over a month, Gavi still in long-term recovery, and Dani Olmo continuing rehabilitation, Barcelona’s midfield depth has been severely reduced.
At present, Flick only has Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal fully fit, making the inclusion of Marques a strong possibility.
Marques, described as a physically mature and tactically intelligent midfielder, has been a standout performer for Juliano Belletti’s Barca Atletic this season, starting eight consecutive games in the Segunda RFEF.
His consistency follows a breakout campaign with the Juvenil A side, where he played a vital role in their treble-winning season.
Unlike most pivots in the first team, Marques brings a commanding aerial presence and excels in physical duels, qualities that could complement De Jong’s more technical profile in midfield.
Flick and his staff have reportedly monitored Marques closely and have been impressed by his energy, positioning, and composure on the ball.
If his performances in training continue to impress, the teenager could find himself on the bench, or even making his debut, against Elche this weekend, marking another promising chapter in Barcelona’s tradition of promoting homegrown talent.
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