Barcelona reserve team defender set to return from injury; player on Flick’s radar

In his short time at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick has embraced the culture and tradition of promoting and nurturing young talent from the club’s reserve and youth ranks.

It has led to players like Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Sergi Dominguez, and Marc Bernal enjoying their first-team breakthrough while other talents like Toni Fernandez, Guille Fernandez, and Unai Hernandez are all in and around the senior setup as well.

Mamadou Mbacke on Flick’s radars

Now, SPORT reports that another young talent from Barcelona’s reserve team squad – Mamadou Mbacke – also happens to be on the radars of Hansi Flick.

Mbacke, 21, joined Barça Atletic last year on loan from LAFC, and made a good impression under former manager Rafa Marquez.

It was enough for the Catalans to sign him permanently in the summer, albeit for a lower price than the value of the initial purchase option.

Considering that Barcelona have senior defenders like Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen sidelined with injuries, Flick has given chances to the likes of Sergi Dominguez and Andres Cuenca.

And, Mbacke, too, happens to be on the radars of the German tactician.

Mbacke set to return from injury

In fact, the aforementioned report also mentions that Mbacke is on the cusp of returning from a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old Senegalese defender suffered the injury in May and had to undergo surgery, which cast him out of action for an extended period.

As per the report, Mbacke is very close to making a comeback, with his recovery progressing very well. If everything goes well, the young centre-back could train with the Barça Atletic squad on Thursday and be ready for their game against Ponferradina this weekend.

This development will come as a pleasing one for Barcelona Atletic coach Albert Sanchez, but Flick, too, will be keeping an eye on Mbacke’s return and progress.