Is the rotation policy mandatory for Flick's setup to keep Barca stars injury-free?

FC Barcelona has been on a magnificent run so far in the La Liga 2024/25 season, winning every single game this season. However, a major concern has been circling the Blaugrana club regarding the availability of the club's star players. With stars like Gavi, De Jong, and Ronald Arajo already injured, the recent injuries of Fermin and Dani Olmo have further traumatized the club's cause.

Is the rotation policy mandatory for Flick's setup to keep Barca stars injury-free?

While Dani Olmo had already taken a significant knock during the international break, after which the player's health scenarios were being analyzed, the recent clash didn't go well for Olmo's knee. On the other hand, players who have been utilized in rotation policy have looked less prone to injuries so far. Thus, the question arises: Is the rotation policy mandatory for Flick's setup to keep Barca stars injury-free?

Although questions can be raised about why Olmo did start against Girona, which led to him being out for more than a month, the significant cause behind the player's injury is something else. Considering the player's game time so far, it can be noticed that he did play only the second half against Vallecano, 83 minutes against Valladolid, and 61 minutes against Girona; the player's workload can't be the only reason behind his injury.

A common observation in Olmo's and Fermin's case has been that the two players weren't available for training sessions or the preseason for FC Barcelona, increasing the risk of injuries. And then transitioning into Flick's strength routine training has been difficult, increasing injury chances.

In fact, another star player who didn't do the preseason with the Catalan club was their star prodigy, Pau Cubarsi, and thus, the coach and staff are keeping a close eye on him to have him safe. A major display of this was when Flick brought the 17-year-old back after 61 minutes of play. Moreover, Cubarsi's substitution was executed by the Barca manager just after 61 minutes in the Valladolid matchday to manage the player's workload.

Overall, it is significant that the players who weren't available in the club's preseason have been more prone to injuries. Regarding the same, Hansi Flick and staff have been trying their best to manage the workload of youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, subbing them off after crucial minutes of the fixture. Going ahead, the club would hope they face no more injury concerns, and their star players return sooner.