Barcelona youth prodigy could be a surprise option for Hansi Flick against Benfica – report | OneFootball

As Barcelona prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against SL Benfica, there is much uncertainty surrounding the availability of Gavi.

The Spanish international was notably absent from Monday’s training session, sparking concerns over his fitness and availability against SL Benfica.

Noah Darvich to be included in Barça squad?

In light of Gavi’s potential absence from the Benfica tie, Diario SPORT reports that Barcelona could add Noah Darvich to the squad.

Although Barça are yet to officially announce the squad for this tie, the report observes images released by the club, where Darvich can be seen training alongside the first-team.

Therefore, if Gavi’s absence is indeed confirmed, coach Hansi Flick could consider the possibility of calling up Darvich this midweek.

Noah Darvich could be included in Barcelona squad this midweek (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images for DFB)

Regarded as one of La Masia’s most talented prospects, Darvich has struggled for game-time this season.

At Barça Atletic, the German has been a peripheral figure, with his last start coming in December during a 2-1 win over Osasuna Promesas.

Even the recent managerial change to Sergi Mila hasn’t altered his fortunes, as he remained unused in the subsidiary’s latest match against Nastic.

Keeping that in mind, a potential call-up in the Benfica game could serve as a major confidence-booster for the young German, even if he doesn’t end up playing against Benfica.

For now, though, Barça will be banking on Gavi to return to full fitness soon as his potential absence could significantly weaken the club’s creative prowess.

That said, the club do have enough backups, including Dani Olmo, who is finally starting to showcase his best self thanks in part to Hansi Flick’s personalised training plan.