Flick prepares new defence for Alavés clash

Koundé is the only injured defender who might return for Saturday's Alavés match; Christensen, Eric García and Espart remain sidelined.

Barcelona's injury crisis has deepened following the Clásico. Xavi Espart joined Eric García, Christensen and Koundé on the sidelines, leaving manager Hansi Flick to reshape his defence for Saturday's La Liga match against Alavés (31 October, 21:00) ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Aston Villa at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Koundé suffered an ankle sprain against Betis and is the only absentee Flick hopes to recover in time. Christensen, who picked up a left quadriceps injury at Sevilla, is ruled out but could return for the crucial match against Atlético Madrid on 8 November. Eric García, injured against Betis with a right thigh problem, remains unavailable.

Flick has used ten different defensive combinations this season. Against Alavés, he is likely to field a new-look back line, potentially featuring Cubarsí and Gerard Martín as centre-backs with Cancelo at right-back and Balde on the left—a pairing that has rarely been used together.