Injuries the only threat to Hansi Flick's flying Barcelona as international break tests squad depth
Flick's flying Barcelona face their one true enemy: the treatment table
International break. Two of the most anxiety-inducing words for Barcelona fans. As the club rides a historic start to the season under Hansi Flick, the only thing that can stop the German coach and his side is the one variable no manager can control: injuries.
When you're the best club in the world, as Barcelona currently are, just about all of your players will be switching shirts to represent their countries. Once they leave the Camp Nou, they are at the mercy of a new coach with their own interests at play.
"Surely Raphinha needs a break, but don't expect Carlo Ancelotti to care," the report notes. Instead, the Brazil boss is likely to capitalise on the revelation that the Barca captain is in fact a fantastic centre forward — with friendly fixtures in Australia and India providing the perfect laboratory.
A thin defensive line
The Spanish national team called up seven Barca players, with Gavi the only surprise absence. All of them are in need of a rest after racking up minutes for Barcelona to start the season, but don't hold your breath.
When Andreas Christensen went down against Sevilla, fans held their breath, went to the depth chart, and were reminded how light Barcelona is at the position after the departures of Ronald Araujo and Álvaro Cortés.
Midfield and attack questions
In the middle of the park the situation is better, especially with Frenkie de Jong set to make a comeback within the next month or two. Wing depth is also not a concern — but when you consider that Raphinha is deputising in the middle, there is a real question around who can be relied upon to fill in at striker.
Last season it was Ferran Torres. For now, there hasn't been enough from Gabriel Jesus or Hamza Abdelkarim to know if they're up to the task. The hope is that changes once the break is over so Flick can know for sure what he's working with.
Deco's patient plan
Deco's strategy seems clear. There's enough on the roster to get the team to January. At that point, evaluate the situation anew.
"This is a high-flying Barcelona team that plays with energy and intensity every time out. It's a demanding system, and the players aren't robots," the analysis concludes. "Flick's tactics and player selection has been masterful so far. The question going forward is how he manages the busy calendar. That's where the biggest trophies will be won or lost."
Things will get very interesting for Flick once play resumes against Getafe in October. More than anything, he'll be saying his prayers every night that his players return in full health — especially with PSG and Real Madrid on the horizon.