Hansi Flick set to deploy key Barcelona midfielder in an advanced role vs Girona | OneFootball

Barcelona are currently going through a tough period, with the club coming on the back of two consecutive defeats in all competitions.

The team is also dealing with an apparent injury crisis, especially in the attacking midfield role, where Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi are all injured, though there’s a chance Lopez could make the team.

All of them will be unavailable for the upcoming game against Girona, while Raphinha, too, remains a huge doubt. This could force Hansi Flick to make some adjustments to the squad.

Pedri to operate in attacking midfield?

According to Diario SPORT, Flick is expected to deploy Pedri in an attacking midfield role against Girona in order to combat the ongoing injury crisis.

It was earlier reported that Dro could be a beneficiary of the injury crisis and potentially start against Girona.

Pedri could act as a number ten against Girona next weekend. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

But it appears Flick favours Pedri in the advanced role, with Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado operating deeper in midfield.

The German tactician has historically refrained from deploying Pedro in an attacking role, as he prefers the Spaniard’s qualities more in a number eight position.

But with Fermin, Olmo, Gavi and Lamine Yamal ruled out, Flick is running out of options, especially with Raphinha also a doubt, heading into the Girona clash next weekend.

The onus, therefore, will be on Pedri to slightly alter his game and act as the creative spark in the Barcelona frontline, behind the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres.

Flick, though, will be mindful of Barcelona’s fixtures list this month and, therefore, will be cautious with Pedri. That is where alternatives such as Dro could come in handy.