Hansi Flick gives key Barca players extra rest amid growing injury concerns

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has opted to give four of his most-used players additional rest this week as the club continues to grapple with a deepening injury crisis. 

The decision comes after Pedri was ruled out for the foreseeable future, adding to the Catalan side’s mounting list of absentees.

Flick excused Marcus Rashford, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Koundé, and Pau Cubarsí from Wednesday’s training session, allowing them an extra day off to recover. 

All four players have logged significant minutes under the German coach this season, prompting concerns over fatigue and potential injuries if not managed carefully.

The move reflects Flick’s cautious approach to squad rotation amid a congested fixture schedule. Barcelona are eager to avoid further setbacks, particularly with several key fixtures on the horizon. 

The coach reportedly instructed the club’s medical and fitness teams to monitor the quartet closely as part of a wider effort to preserve player fitness during a critical phase of the season.

Rashford, who joined Barcelona in the summer, was seen making productive use of his time off by returning to Manchester, where he shared a photo from the gym on social media. 

Meanwhile, De Jong, Koundé, and Cubarsí are all expected to rejoin training sessions later this week ahead of the club’s La Liga clash against Elche on Sunday.

There was also a glimmer of good news for Flick, as both Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to partial training. 

The pair are recovering from their own injury setbacks and could be available for selection this weekend, providing a much-needed boost to the squad.

Barcelona’s recent injury woes have tested Flick’s first few months in charge, forcing him to adapt his tactics and rely on squad depth.

With Pedri’s injury described as “more serious than first thought,” the German coach’s decision to rest key players underscores his determination to manage workloads smartly and prevent further disruptions as the club continues its push in La Liga and European competitions.