Sept 21 (Askume) – Barcelona’s La Liga match against Villarreal was without several players because of injuries but coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he believes his squad is strong enough to handle the challenge.
Barcelona’s injury woes show no signs of abating, with midfielder Fermin Lopez developing a new muscle problem in his right thigh during training on Tuesday.
The Catalans are already without newcomer Dani Olmo, who will miss five weeks with a right hamstring injury, with midfielders Gavi, Frenkie de Jong Jong and Marc Bernal also absent, as well as defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
“When we started the season, I said there would be no excuses,” Flick told reporters ahead of Sunday’s game. “We will be able to handle this game, although we will be careful not to overload certain players.
“We will deal with it tomorrow, although I’m sure those who arrive will be 100% healthy. The medical team is helping us and we are taking special care of (Pau) Cubarcy, who is recovering.”
Under the German captain, Barcelona have made a strong start to the La Liga season, topping the table with five consecutive wins and four points ahead of defending champions Real Madrid.
Villarreal are in fourth place with 3 wins and 2 draws in five matches.
“We have a good squad and we have shown that,” Flick said. “It happens every season, sometimes you lose a lot of players but as a coach you have to accept it.
“Now we have to focus on having the players who can be ready for the next game.”
Barcelona’s only defeat so far this season was a 2–1 loss to Ligue 1 team Monaco in the opening match of the Champions League.
