Another KO at Barça, 2 months out! Hansi Flick holds his head in disbelief

Hansi Flick is looking to recover the positive feelings from last season through effort, hard work, and hope. Although this season's results could have been much better, the German coach fully trusts his players to turn things around. Barça are still alive in the Champions League and are only three points behind Real Madrid in LaLiga, so the situation isn't as negative as some want to make it seem.

However, what has truly set off all the alarms in the Catalan squad is the number of injuries the team is suffering. It's only been three months of competition, and Barça have had to survive without such important players as Joan García, Raphinha, Pedri, or Gavi. The accumulation of setbacks has made Hansi Flick's job much more complicated, as he spends every week closely following the medical report.

Another KO at Barça, out for 2 months! Hansi Flick throws his hands up in despair

Now, the latest to join this never-ending list of absences is Xavi Espart, the young academy player whom Hansi Flick had been closely monitoring in training for weeks. Given the doubts surrounding Koundé and the lack of reliable alternatives at right back, Flick decided to keep a close eye on the reserve team player. His performance in training sessions was so good that he quickly caught the attention of the entire locker room.

Xavi Espart has been training regularly with the senior team for several weeks, quickly adapting to the pace and demands of the first team. His personality, courage, and quality have made Flick especially excited about him. In fact, the German coach had decided to give him minutes after the international break, considering him a real option to compete with Koundé.

However, that plan has been completely derailed. Xavi Espart has suffered an injury and will be out for approximately two months, a huge blow for the player and for Hansi Flick. According to club sources, the academy player won't return until 2026, which forces the coach to rethink the rotation on the right flank.

Xavi Espart's debut delayed

Xavi Espart's injury is a major setback because Barça don't have many natural alternatives at right back. It's true that Eric García can play there, but his role as a starter in the center of defense is essential to keep the team together. The situation leaves Hansi Flick with no room for maneuver, especially considering Jules Koundé's poor performance in recent weeks.

The German coach will have to trust Koundé to regain his best form in order to face the decisive fixtures coming up in December and January. Even so, Barça are very optimistic about Xavi Espart and his future. They believe he is a player with potential, personality, and the ability to compete at the highest level sooner rather than later.