Barcelona retain faith in young talent as Flick faces right-back shortage
Story updated
The story in brief
11-second readBarcelona lost to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, ending their La Liga winning run and losing defender Xavi Espart to injury in the first half. The team is now facing a shortage of defenders, particularly at right-back.
The full picture
Barcelona lost to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, ending their La Liga winning run and losing defender Xavi Espart to injury in the first half. The team is now facing a shortage of defenders, particularly at right-back.
Xavi Espart's injury is expected to keep him out for around seven weeks, compounding recent injuries to Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia. Hansi Flick will have to manage the defense, with options limited.
One potential solution is Brian Farinas, a youngster who trained with the first team and has played as a fullback in a friendly. Jules Kounde's return to fitness is pending, and it is unclear if he will be ready for the next match against Alaves.
At a glance
- Reporting status
- Reported
- Original publisher
- Barca News Network ↗
- Source published
- Clubs covered
- Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain
Attributed publisher reporting. Kickjolly has not independently confirmed the claim.
Source context
After suffering their first defeat of the 2026-27 season at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona also saw their winning run in La Liga come to an end with the defeat to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. With this loss, the Blaugranes have lost their first three points in this league campaign, but they still are three points ahead of the Merengues on the table, and two ahead of the second-placed Atletico Madrid. However, in addition to a loss to their bitter rivals and the loss of these three points, the Catalans also lost yet another defender in this game, as Xavi Espart had to leave the pitch in the first half due to an injury.
Source excerpt · Barca News Network
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