"It was bad enough that Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez clearly already had injury problems, Gavi was out for the foreseeable future and Raphinha also wouldn't be kicking a ball across the current international break and beyond. Not to mention that one of the most impressive goalkeepers we've seen at the club in many a year, Joan Garcia, was out of contention and likely not to be back until after El Clasico had taken place."
"Although Dani Olmo hasn't enjoyed the best of seasons to date his omission means that Hansi Flick now has limited options in midfield, and the most recent news that Robert Lewandowski is out for up to four weeks with a muscle tear in the biceps femoris of his left thigh has just about topped things off. Oh, did I mention that Ferran Torres, whilst not exactly injured, has had to leave Spanish national team duty early as a precaution."
"Forget about the Clasico for now because that doesn't really bear thinking about at this stage. Before then there is the small matter of facing Girona in a Catalan derby and Olympiacos in the Champions League, both winnable games but with Barca nowhere near full strength they could prove to be banana skins."
"Though Lamine and Fermin are back in training, it would be a brave man indeed that would put either of them in the starting XI before the Clasico unless they can both prove that they are absolutely 100% fit. Not 90% or 95%, but in tip-top condition, because the management team cannot afford to be taking chances at this stage of the season."
Barcelona are coping with multiple absences and fitness concerns across the squad. Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez returned to training but remain doubtful for immediate starts. Gavi is sidelined for the foreseeable future while Raphinha will miss the current international break and beyond. Joan Garcia is out of contention until after El Clasico. Dani Olmo's omission limits Hansi Flick's midfield options and Robert Lewandowski is expected to miss up to four weeks with a muscle tear. Ferran Torres left Spain duty as a precaution. Upcoming fixtures against Girona and Olympiacos present risks given the depleted squad and selection uncertainty.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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