Flick's options to cover Rodri's injury setback

Rodri sidelined for three weeks with right hamstring injury; Flick has six other players out and must reshuffle midfield with Marc Bernal or Gavi as alternatives.

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has suffered a right hamstring injury with an expected recovery period of approximately three weeks. The injury adds to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's mounting injury crisis, with six other players currently unavailable: Koundé, Eric García, Christensen, Xavi Espart, Olmo and Roony.

Rodri has started 11 of Barcelona's 15 official matches this season. His absence forces Flick to find alternatives in midfield. The primary option is to recall Marc Bernal alongside Pedri, who is a regular starter. Bernal started in matches against Elche (0-5), Athletic (2-0), Rayo (5-2) and PSG (4-2), recording three La Liga wins and one Champions League defeat.

Other possibilities include Gavi, who has deputised when Pedri has not started, or Frenkie de Jong, who recently returned from injury and has featured as a centre-back and substitute. Brian Fariñas, currently playing right-back due to injuries in that position, could theoretically move to midfield but would only be considered in an emergency.