Hansi Flick considering surprise start for €60m Barcelona player against Girona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have endured a string of injuries to key players since the beginning of the new season, and the October international break has not offered any relief. The situation in midfield, in particular, has become complicated for Hansi Flick.

Dani Olmo picked up an injury while training with the Spanish national team during the break, further weakening Barcelona’s options in the attacking midfield area. Both Fermin Lopez and Gavi were already recovering from their own physical issues, leaving Flick with limited choices for the position.

However, there is some good news for FC Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, Fermin Lopez is expected to receive medical clearance ahead of the upcoming La Liga clash against Girona, and his strong recovery could even earn him a place in the starting lineup.

Two key factors could convince Flick to take this step. First, the shortage of available attacking midfielders, with Olmo and Gavi ruled out, leaves Fermin as the most natural option. Second, the 22-year-old has shown excellent progress in recent days, using the international break to regain full fitness and sharpness.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Fermin suffered a muscle injury in his left iliopsoas on September 21 during the closing stages of the match against Getafe. The initial recovery timeline was around three weeks, and with the added rest during the break, he has now had almost four weeks to heal completely.

Normally, players returning from injury are eased back through substitute appearances, but in this case, Flick may decide to trust Fermin from the start. Given the current circumstances and the player’s encouraging recovery, the €60 million-rated midfielder could feature in the starting eleven against Girona this weekend.