Flick must reshuffle Barcelona defence ahead of Champions clash with PSG

Under the bright lights of a Birmingham City friendly in England on 31 July, Hansi Flick watched his Barcelona side struggle to find defensive cohesion. The German coach now faces a decisive week, with the Champions League tie against Paris Saint‑Germain looming on Tuesday.

Injuries thin the back line

Barcelona confirmed on Sunday the loss of centre‑backs Jules Koundé and Eric García to injuries that will keep them out of the Paris encounter. García suffered a thigh problem estimated to sideline him for three to four weeks, while Koundé sustained an ankle sprain.

Both players join Andreas Christensen, already out, leaving the Catalan giants with only three defenders available for the European clash.

Limited options for Flick

Flick’s immediate alternatives are full‑back Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín. Martín, however, left the 5‑2 victory over Real Betis on the bench on Saturday and his fitness remains uncertain, as he was not listed in the medical update released on Sunday.

When will Andreas Christensen return from injury for Barcelona?

The coach must decide whether to gamble on Martín’s recovery or stick with Cubarsí, while also considering the impact of the missing players on the upcoming La Liga classic against Real Madrid on Sunday.

With the Champions League match in Paris scheduled for 20 May and the domestic showdown on 25 May, the physical condition of the defence will directly shape Flick’s selections for both fixtures.

Despite the setbacks, the Barcelona squad travelled to the French capital confident they can adapt, aware that the lack of depth in central defence is a significant concern for the German manager.