Barcelona are reportedly preparing to rest Rodri for their Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, with Hansi Flick weighing the midfielder’s workload ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
According to journalist Alfredo Martinez, the Spanish international is expected to sit out the PSG clash despite having no injury or physical problems.
Notably, the potential decision would be a result of a workload management measure rather than a response to a fitness concern, with Barcelona facing another major test just days later.
Flick faces difficult Rodri decision before PSG clash
Resting one of Barcelona’s most influential midfielders against PSG would be a significant call, particularly given the quality of the opposition.
However, Rodri’s growing importance to Flick’s side makes managing his minutes increasingly relevant as the season progresses.
The midfielder endured a slow start to his Barcelona career because of back problems and a registration delay, but his situation changed once he became established in the starting XI.
Rodri could be rested against PSG. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Flick subsequently had little reason to leave him out, given the Spaniard’s influence in the middle of the pitch.
So far this season, Rodri has played 690 minutes across 10 matches in all competitions, starting eight of them.
That works out at an average of 69 minutes per appearance, showing how regularly he has featured since becoming part of the team’s plans.
Although the PSG fixture would ordinarily be an occasion to field the strongest possible midfield, Barcelona must also consider the demands of their upcoming meeting with Real Madrid.
El Clasico could influence Barcelona’s midfield selection
The prospect of El Clasico gives Flick an additional reason to consider rotation.
Keeping Rodri fresh for the weekend could prove valuable, particularly with Barcelona facing a demanding schedule and little margin for error in major fixtures.
Rodri averages almost 70 minutes per match for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The challenge is that replacing Rodri means losing a particular blend of control, experience and tactical influence.
This is because none of Barcelona’s alternative midfielders necessarily offers an identical profile, leaving Flick to decide whether the benefits of resting his key player outweigh the potential cost against PSG.
Gavi, Bernal and Olmo offer Flick alternatives
If Rodri is left out, Flick still has several options to partner Pedri in central midfield, with Gavi, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo among the candidates who could be given greater responsibility against PSG.
Each would bring different qualities to the role, giving Flick flexibility in how he approaches the contest, although none would replicate the exact profile of Rodri.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether he prioritises midfield control, energy, creativity or the need to preserve resources for El Clasico.