"Both midfielders are walking a disciplinary tightrope. If either picks up another yellow card against Brugge, they will be suspended for the following group-stage encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For Flick, who is already short of options in the centre of the park, this creates an uncomfortable dilemma. Under these circumstances, Flick is likely to stick with the De Jong-Casado partnership in the double pivot."
"The midfielder's recovery is expected to take around a month, leaving the coach with very limited options in midfield. Adding to the tension, Marc Bernal is still being eased back after a year-long absence due to a serious knee injury. Flick is reluctant to push the young midfielder too soon, prioritising his long-term fitness over short-term needs. If either player is booked in Belgium, Barcelona will head into the Chelsea clash without a natural replacement, a scenario Flick will be desperate to avoid."
Hansi Flick must manage Barcelona's midfield with limited options after Pedri's expected month-long absence. Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado are one yellow card from suspension and would miss the Stamford Bridge trip to Chelsea if booked against Club Brugge. Flick is likely to retain the De Jong–Casado double pivot after it provided balance and control in the 3-1 win over Elche. Marc Bernal is being eased back from a year-long knee injury and is not yet ready to be rushed into action. Barcelona must win in Bruges while avoiding further disciplinary losses ahead of the Chelsea clash.
Read at Barca Universal
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