Barcelona faces Deportivo Alavés at Camp Nou on Saturday with a depleted defense, as Hansi Flick plans to debut young midfielder Bryan Fariñas in a rotated lineup.
Barcelona’s defense remains under pressure ahead of their La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés, with injuries forcing coach Hansi Flick to reshuffle his backline. The Catalan club, currently top of the table with 27 points, aims to recover from two consecutive defeats as they welcome Alavés to Camp Nou.
Fariñas Makes Debut Amid Defensive Crisis
Spanish newspaper “Marca” reported that Flick will give a debut to young midfielder Bryan Fariñas, who has impressed during training. The youngster, who has not yet appeared for Barcelona’s first team, will feature in the backline following Jules Koundé’s ankle injury and the absence of Andreas Christensen, Eric García, and Xavi Espart. Flick praised Fariñas’s intelligence and versatility across more than one position in a recent press conference, confirming his readiness for the challenge.
The defensive crisis has forced Flick to rely on untested options. Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín are expected to start as center-backs, while Alejandro Balde remains at left-back after a strong performance in El Clásico. João Cancelo is set to play on the right, with Fariñas filling in for the injured Xavi Espart.
Midfield Rotation and Attack Lineup
Flick plans to rotate his midfield, giving rest to key players ahead of upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid. Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi are expected to start, while Rodri, Pedri, and Fermín López are poised for a break. The attack will feature Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus alongside Anthony Gordon, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha likely to be rested for the midweek fixtures.
The lineup, as reported by “Marca,” includes: Joan García, Bryan Fariñas, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon, and Raphinha. This formation aims to balance experience with youth, despite the defensive challenges.
Alavés’ Position and Barcelona’s Stakes
Alavés, sitting seventh in La Liga with 12 points, will look to capitalize on Barcelona’s defensive issues. The Catalan side, having lost to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in their last two games, needs a win to maintain their lead. Flick’s decision to rotate players reflects the demanding schedule, with two crucial matches coming up in the next week.
Barcelona’s strategy highlights the tension between immediate results and long-term planning. While the team seeks to secure three points against Alavés, Flick must also manage player workloads ahead of high-stakes encounters. The inclusion of Fariñas signals a confidence in youth, but the defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern for fans and analysts alike.
🚨🎙️| Hansi Flick on Fariñas: “Brian Fariñas is an option to play at RIGHT-BACK. He’s very intelligent and does it fantastically well. He deserves to play; THIS is HIS moment.” #fcblive pic.twitter.com/3Zw4Co5LE5
More on Camp Nou
🚨 FLICK READY TO GIVE FARIÑAS HIS CHANCE! 🔵🔴🗣️ Hansi Flick:“Fariñas is an option to play at full-back.He’s extremely intelligent and performing really well.He deserves to play. The time has come.”——🚨 فليك يفتح الباب أمام فرصة فاريناس! 🔵🔴🗣️ هانسي فليك:… pic.twitter.com/iftghDltoV