It feels like a while since FC Barcelona last played a game of football, but that is often the effect an international break can have. As always, this dreaded hiatus has brought injuries to some of the club’s players.
Frenkie de Jong missed the Netherlands’ second game, and the club confirmed he had suffered a slight injury to the external obturator muscle in his right leg. His availability is now doubtful for the weekend’s match against Valencia and the Champions League opener against Newcastle United.
A trip to St James’ Park is unlikely to be straightforward for Hansi Flick’s men, and another player they could be without is Alejandro Balde. Despite not being on international duty with Spain, the young left-back suffered a slight injury to his left hamstring during training.
This is a major blow for Flick, as Balde is fundamental to the tactical setup. His absence was sorely felt in last season’s Champions League semi-final games against Inter Milan. Gerard Martin replaced him then and, with all due respect, his skill set is quite limited compared with Balde’s.
Thus, Flick faces a significant dilemma ahead of the Newcastle game. Unlike last season, this time he has two options at left-back, with La Masia starlet Jofre Torrents impressing in that position during pre-season. It is an important decision for the German coach to make.
Gerard Martin – the known devil
Ever since he broke into the first team at the expense of Alex Valle during pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Martin has had his critics. He has not necessarily looked like a player at the level required for Barcelona.
Limited in possession and uncomfortable under pressure, Martin is an easy pressing target for opponents. He lacks pace and does not make as many forward runs as Balde, which in turn reduces Raphinha’s influence on the game.
That said, defensively Martin can hold his own, even against big teams. He is a solid one-on-one defender, despite sometimes appearing clumsy, and is also strong in the air. On more than one occasion, he has shown himself to be a very good crosser of the ball.
If Flick opts for Martin against Newcastle, he may not be the ideal stylistic fit, but he should still do a decent job against a rampant Anthony Elanga. He is the known devil.
Jofre Torrents – the X factor
Not many outside Barcelona had heard of Jofre Torrents before this year’s pre-season, but he has long been tipped for greatness since his early days in La Masia. The young Spaniard showcased his quality in Flick’s team ahead of the new campaign.
Stylistically, Jofre is as close as it gets to Alejandro Balde. He is very effective going forward, delivers a good cross, and can beat his man much like the player he would replace. His physicality and recovery pace also aid him defensively.
If Flick wanted to make a change without it really looking like one, Jofre would be the natural choice to step in for the injured Balde. However, it is worth remembering that the 18-year-old is still new to first-team football, and throwing him into the deep end against Newcastle may not be the wisest move.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Flick. Whoever he selects to start against Newcastle is likely to also start against Valencia, which should give us an idea of what to expect at St James’ Park in about a week’s time. Let’s wait and see how it unfolds.