Barcelona manager forced into familiar spell of adversity as midfield options become scarce

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou arrives with enormous excitement, but also with a significant tactical challenge for Hansi Flick, particularly in the centre of the pitch.

Their first home match back at the renovated stadium comes against a demanding Athletic Club side, and Flick has been handed several complications that will directly impact his midfield options.

Frenkie de Jong will not be available after picking up two yellow cards in the clash with Celta Vigo, forcing him to serve his suspension tomorrow.

To add to that, Pedri is still not fit enough to feature, leaving Flick with a familiar dilemma.

It is a situation the German coach has already experienced before, almost identical, in fact, to the one he faced during his early days at the club.