Brian Fariñas's time

Barcelona academy prospect Fariñas remains unused despite Flick deploying 24 players this season and blocking his loan move to Girona in the summer.

After Frenkie de Jong's debut against Real Madrid, former Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now used 24 of the club's first-team squad this season — everyone except long-term injured Roony and academy prospect Brian Fariñas. All three goalkeepers have featured, and even fringe players like Abdelkarim have had minutes, yet Fariñas has not made a single appearance.

Fariñas impressed during preseason and was handed the number 4 shirt vacated by Araújo. Flick personally blocked his loan move to Girona when the deal was advanced, with the Catalan club offering €1.5 million for 50% of his rights. The manager was convinced by Fariñas's football, attitude and rapid development training with the first team.

Following the departures of Casadó and Tommy Marqués, Fariñas was promoted to the senior squad. His versatility — natural midfielder but impressive at left-back in preseason — made him the logical choice. Yet even with Eric and Koundé absent, Fariñas has not featured. If he does not get minutes at home against Alavés, questions will mount about Flick's summer decision to keep him.