Barça has a problem: a total alarm few days before the Clásico against Real Madrid

FC Barcelona’s international break has turned into a nightmare. Just when Hansi Flick’s team needed calm and recovery time, a wave of injuries has thrown everything into disarray. With only eleven days left before the Clásico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Blaugrana find themselves in crisis mode, struggling to rebuild confidence and fitness after a rough few weeks.

Mounting Problems and Mounting Pressure

The timing could not be worse. Barcelona are entering a decisive stretch of the season following two consecutive defeats that have shaken confidence in the dressing room. A 1-2 home loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League was followed by a painful 4-1 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga. Those results have left fans concerned and the club under pressure to find quick solutions before the biggest match of the season.

The next few days will be crucial. Barcelona face Girona and Olympiacos before traveling to Madrid, and both matches will serve as tests of character and tactical flexibility. Flick’s main challenge is simple but demanding — rebuild a functioning team amid a growing injury list and restore confidence in his system.

Eight Players Sidelined and Counting

As things stand, up to eight first-team players have not been medically cleared to play. That figure includes some of the team’s biggest names, leaving Flick with a weakened squad just as the season’s most demanding fixtures approach.

The injury crisis has forced the coaching staff and medical team to work around the clock. The situation is being described internally as “critical but manageable” — though only if the recovery process goes according to plan.

Among the players unavailable are both goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen, along with Gavi, who is still recovering from arthroscopy. Those absences alone would cause headaches for any coach. But Barça’s situation worsened during the latest international break, when Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski both suffered new injuries while representing their national teams.

Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López Offer Hope

There is at least a small ray of hope for Flick. Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López are all progressing well and expected to return in time for the upcoming fixtures.

Ferran Torres returned early from Spain’s training camp with a minor muscle strain, but medical examinations confirmed that it wasn’t a serious injury. He is following a personalized recovery program designed to have him ready for the weekend clash against Girona — and, hopefully, the Clásico as well.

Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, meanwhile, have rejoined group training after their respective injuries. The coaching staff plans to ease them back into competition to ensure they are fully fit for the Real Madrid match. If all goes well, all three players could feature in the lineup at the Bernabéu.

Major Setbacks: Lewandowski and Olmo Out

The two biggest blows from the international break came from Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, both key players in Flick’s tactical setup.

Olmo’s situation has been surrounded by some confusion, as differing reports between Barcelona’s medical staff and the Spanish federation created uncertainty about the nature of his problem. Eventually, tests confirmed that the midfielder had suffered discomfort in his left soleus muscle, ruling him out for at least two to three weeks. That timeline effectively ends any chance of him being fit for the Clásico, with the club unwilling to risk aggravating the injury.

Even worse news came from Poland’s camp, where Lewandowski played a full match before feeling sharp pain in his left leg. Medical scans revealed a torn hamstring, meaning the striker will be sidelined for three to five weeks. His absence is a huge blow, both tactically and psychologically, as the veteran forward remains Barça’s most consistent goal threat.

For Flick, losing Lewandowski means rethinking the attack entirely. The coach may now turn to younger players such as Marc Guiu or Vitor Roque, hoping they can step up during this difficult period.

Flick’s Challenge: Rebuild and Regain Confidence

The injury crisis has arrived at the worst possible time for a team still trying to establish stability under its new coach. Flick’s early months at Barcelona have been marked by moments of promise but also inconsistency. The back-to-back defeats to PSG and Sevilla exposed defensive gaps and fatigue, both physical and mental.

Now, without several of his key players, Flick must rebuild both his lineup and his team’s confidence. Training sessions over the coming week will focus on tactical adjustments and recovery. Sources close to the coaching staff suggest that Flick is considering a shift in formation, potentially using a more compact midfield to cover for the absence of creative players like Olmo.

At the same time, he will look to maintain attacking fluidity through wide players such as Raphinha and Yamal, supported by midfield runners like Fermín and Pedri. The goal is to keep the team competitive despite limited options.

Inside the Club: Worry and Determination

Within Barcelona’s offices, the atmosphere is tense but determined. The sporting directorate is closely monitoring the fitness of every injured player and coordinating with Flick to plan matchday squads week by week. The club’s medical department has intensified workload management to prevent further setbacks, especially with players returning from injury.

A source close to the club stated that the focus is on “getting through this period without more casualties” and ensuring that the team is in the best possible shape for October 26, when they face Real Madrid.

The Road to El Clásico

Every Clásico is significant, but this one feels particularly crucial. After two straight defeats, Barcelona cannot afford another slip-up, especially against their fiercest rivals. A strong performance could stabilize the season, restore belief, and relieve pressure on Flick. A loss, on the other hand, could deepen doubts about the team’s direction and the German coach’s leadership.

The next eleven days will therefore be vital. Flick will need to strike the right balance between urgency and caution — pushing recovering players only as far as is safe. If Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal can return in time, they could inject energy and creativity into the attack, while the younger players will be expected to step up and prove their worth.

Conclusion: A Test of Character for Flick’s Barcelona

The coming weeks will test Barcelona’s depth, resilience, and unity. With so many players sidelined, Hansi Flick faces perhaps his toughest challenge since taking over the team. But crises often reveal character — and this may be the moment for the younger generation to show their hunger and maturity.

As fans await the Clásico with both hope and anxiety, one thing is clear: Barcelona’s response to this adversity will define the tone for the rest of the season. For Flick and his men, the message is simple — survive the storm, stay united, and fight back where it matters most — at the Santiago Bernabéu.