Report: The experimental backline Flick tested in training ahead of Barcelona vs Alaves amid injury crisis
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The story in brief
10-second readAs Barcelona prepare to take on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga tomorrow at the Spotify Camp Nou, manager Hansi Flick has tested out a highly unconventional defensive line in training to deal with the injury-enforced absences.
From the source
As Barcelona prepare to take on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga tomorrow at the Spotify Camp Nou, manager Hansi Flick has tested out a highly unconventional defensive line in training to deal with the injury-enforced absences.
Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona manager trialled an experimental backline that featured midfielder Frenkie de Jong as Pau Cubarsi’s centre-back partner. Meanwhile, Brian Farinas slotted in at right-back whereas Joao Cancelo played as the left-back, which means that Alejandro Balde could be set to start on the bench again.
Barcelona head into tomorrow’s game against Quique Sanchez Flores’ side without as many as four frontline defenders. Indeed, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Xavi Espart all remain unavailable for the La Liga champions due to various injury problems.
At a glance
- Reporting status
- Reported
- Original publisher
- Barca Universal ↗
- Source published
- Clubs covered
- Barcelona, Alaves
Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.
Source context
This brief is drawn from Barca Universal. The original report is linked below for its complete context.
Read original report ↗Related reporting, in time order
2 reports grouped by topic; up to eight shown, newest first. Compare the original reports below; they may describe different developments or rely on the same information. Grouping does not establish confirmation.
Barca News Network · reported · 2026-10-31 01:20 UTC
Hansi Flick plots radical Barcelona defensive reshuffle amid four-man injury crisis ↗
FC Barcelona have spent much of the season benefiting from the flexibility within Hansi Flick’s squad, but that depth is now being tested in a far less comfortable way. The injuries have begun to accumulate in one area at the
Barca Universal · reported · 2026-10-30 15:30 UTC
Report: The experimental backline Flick tested in training ahead of Barcelona vs Alaves amid injury crisis ↗
As Barcelona prepare to take on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga tomorrow at the Spotify Camp Nou, manager Hansi Flick has tested out a highly unconventional defensive line in training to deal with the injury-enforced absences. Indeed, as per Mu
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