Barcelona key defender will be available vs Elche after not playing in Gamper Trophy match | OneFootball

Pau Cubarsi was the only FC Barcelona first-team player included in the squad who did not play a single minute in the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly on Wednesday.

However, according to SPORT, Hansi Flick’s decision to not use the World Cup winner should not raise any concerns. The youngster is expected to be available for the La Liga opener against Elche come Sunday.

The centre-back remained on the bench simply to avoid overloading himself ahead of the imminent start of the new season.

Workload management for Cubarsi

Cubarsi played all 750 minutes of Spain’s eight matches at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, completing the full 90 minutes in the seven games leading up to the final, where he also played the entire extra time.

The La Masia defender was awarded the tournament’s Best Young Player prize. He formed an outstanding partnership with Aymeric Laporte, conceding just one goal throughout the World Cup, against Belgium.

Cubarsi played every minute for Spain at the World Cup. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

That workload took a significant physical toll, so a gradual return to action is now considered the right option for the youngster.

Cubarsi was unavailable for the pre-season friendly against Birmingham City and the triangular tournament featuring Nottingham Forest and Udinese. His return came against Basel, where he played 19 minutes.

Since then, he has continued training, but Flick did not want to take the slightest risk with him in the Gamper Trophy, despite the player having no significant physical problems. The coach is simply managing his workload.

Cubarsi will be an undisputed starter once Flick believes he is ready and there is no risk of injury. For now, he will be in the squad for Sunday’s match against Elche, although he is not expected to start.

Will be available for the season opener. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Kounde or Christensen

That leaves Flick with a decision over who will partner Gerard Martín at centre-back. Eric Garcia will start at right-back at the beginning of the season, while Alejandro Balde will occupy the left side.

In central defence, Flick tested Jules Kounde against Al Ahly, but Andreas Christensen has also made an excellent start to the summer.

The dilemma for Flick, therefore, is whether to move Kounde back to his original position at centre-back or maintain Christensen’s place.