Hansi Flick could turn to Barcelona’s reserve team for defensive reinforcements ahead of their Champions League clash against PSG.
With Andreas Christensen already sidelined through injury, the German manager suffered another blow when both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde picked up problems against Real Betis.
According to journalist Sergi Capdevila, young centre-back Alex Campos is emerging as the leading candidate to make the trip to Paris.
Barcelona currently have only five first-team defenders available, forcing Flick to consider alternatives from Barça Atletic.
Alex Campos emerges as leading candidate
Campos has impressed with his performances at the start of the season, putting himself in a strong position to earn an opportunity with the senior squad.
The young defender’s form has not gone unnoticed, and he could receive his maiden first-team call-up for one of the biggest matches of the season.
However, another promising reserve-team defender, Hafiz Gariba, is unavailable for selection against PSG.
Hafiz Gariba is unavailable for Barcelona against PSG due to UEFA registration rules. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBMasia)
The youngster is ineligible for the Champions League until at least January due to UEFA’s registration regulations.
Under UEFA rules, young players can feature on List B only if they meet specific age and club-registration requirements, including a qualifying period with the club.
Players who do not meet those conditions must instead be registered on List A, which cannot normally be changed during the Champions League league phase.
Gariba could therefore be unable to join the first team for Champions League matches until January at the earliest.
Flick faces another test of Barcelona’s squad depth
Barcelona have repeatedly turned to the reserves when injuries and availability problems have affected the senior squad.
With only five defenders available, Flick has limited room to rotate or respond to unexpected setbacks against PSG.
Campos could provide valuable cover, even if his immediate involvement is restricted to a place on the bench.
Xavi Espart may have to change flanks and start at right-back against PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
However, Barcelona must also be careful not to place too much responsibility on a youngster during such a demanding European fixture.
For Campos, simply travelling with the senior squad would represent an encouraging step in his development.
While he could provide defensive cover, Flick’s immediate challenge is to make a back line of Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo work.
Gariba’s absence is unfortunate, but Flick could turn to the academy defender for cover against Real Madrid this weekend.
It remains to be seen how Flick sets up his defence and whether Campos makes the trip to Paris.