Hansi Flick calls up Barcelona Atletic captain to train with first-team amid defensive injuries | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are once again dealing with growing injury concerns just when the situation had begun to look more stable in recent weeks. Several important players have picked up physical problems, forcing Hansi Flick to turn to the club’s youth ranks to maintain depth in training and potential matchday options.

In recent days, key players including Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde have all suffered setbacks. Their absences add to the ongoing injury list that already includes Andreas Christensen, leaving the German coach short of defensive options for the coming weeks.

As a result, Hansi Flick has been testing several players from Barcelona Atlètic during first-team training sessions. On Wednesday, right back Xavi Espart and winter signing Patricio Pacífico were invited to train with the senior squad. Espart continued with the group on Thursday as well.

However, Thursday’s session brought another new face into the mix. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça Atlètic captain Álvaro Cortés joined the training session instead of Pacífico. The young defender primarily operates as a left-sided centre back.

Another major presence during the session was veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward trained normally with the rest of the squad while wearing a protective mask after suffering a small fracture near his left eye socket in the recent match against Villarreal.

Lewandowski is expected to be available, while it remains to be seen whether Alvaro Cortes will make the squad for the upcoming league clash against Athletic Club at San Mamés on Saturday, where Barcelona will hope to secure all three points while navigating their injury concerns.