Hansi Flick likely to turn to youth academy for pre-season after recent injury crisis – report

Barcelona return to training on July 10th and are set for the beginning of a new era. The new manager, Hansi Flick, however, will not have it easy from the start.

While the German tactician is already faced with the massive challenge of dealing with Barcelona’s difficult economic situation, it now appears that he will be without several players for the pre-season tour in the United States of America.

To miss the presence of key players at the beginning of his tenure at the club, needless to say, is a massive blow, especially in terms of strategising and acclimatising to his new team.

A midfield crisis

Of all the positions on the field, the midfield is where Flick will face the most heat later this month. He will virtually be without any first-choice midfielder for pre-season.

Gavi’s long-term injury definitely rules him out of participation while Frenkie de Jong is also recovering from his fitness blow and is a doubt for pre-season.

Barcelona are set to be without several first team players during the pre-season. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Pedri is the latest to join them on the sidelines after an injury earlier this week and is set to be out for at least a month and a half. He may travel with the team but is unlikely to play a part in the three friendlies.

Ilkay Gundogan’s marathon of minutes in the Euros and fatigue, moreover, limit the manager’s utilisation of his services while Fermin Lopez will be on international duty at the Olympic games. All this means Flick’s midfield options are heavily limited.

A chance for La Masia?

Despite not sharing any direct history with the club or academy, Flick is said to be impressed by La Masia and has high hopes on the academy’s young stars.

With the midfield situation far from clear, he could head into pre-season with several academy players in his plans and potentially hand them debuts.

The prime candidates include the likes of Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Alex Garrido, Unai Hernandez and Noah Darvich, all of whom impressed in the lower categories last season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​