Hansi Flick tests Barcelona Atletic’s new left-back in first-team session amid Balde and Kounde absences | OneFootball

FC Barcelona returned to training yesterday following a narrow exit in the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atletico Madrid. The Blaugrana squad is currently dealing with multiple absences, prompting coach Hansi Flick to rely on a mix of first-team regulars and reserve team players to complete the session.

Goalkeeper Diego Kochen and midfielder Tommy Marques, who regularly train with the first team, were present as usual, along with Xavi Espart, who has already earned Flick’s trust this season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the notable development came with the inclusion of Patricio Pacífico, a 19-year-old left-back who joined Barcelona Atlètic during the winter transfer window on loan from Defensor Sporting.

Pacífico has yet to debut with the reserves due to muscle problems, though he was called up previously by Belletti for a reserve match against Valencia Mestalla.

Despite his lack of game time, Flick included him in the first-team session to cover for the absences of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde. Balde is sidelined for four weeks with a distal hamstring injury, while Kounde is expected to miss four to five weeks with a mid-hamstring injury.

Jofre Torrents is also out with a left ankle syndesmosis injury and will not return until the end of the current season.

With several key players unavailable, Flick’s decision to test Pacífico with the first team provides an early opportunity for the young left-back to impress and potentially earn a role during this challenging period for the Barcelona squad.