Barcelona midfield crisis hits critical point as Flick juggles injuries before Atletico clash

Barcelona’s midfield is under serious strain ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid.

De Jong and Bernal to miss Atleti showdown

Frenkie de Jong has been out since late February and has still not returned. His absence has forced others into heavier workloads, with mixed results.

One of those fill-ins, Marc Bernal, had impressed during De Jong’s absence but picked up an ankle injury in the LaLiga clash against Atleti on Saturday.

Pedri and Gavi not at 100%

At the same time, Gavi is only just coming back after a long layoff that kept him out for roughly six months. Pedri, the team’s most important midfield piece, is also not at peak fitness despite recovering from his latest injury setback in January in Prague.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted as much after Pedri’s full match against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals at the start of March.

“We took risks with Pedri,” Flick said.

That match was the first time Pedri completed a full 90 minutes since returning from injury. Since then, he has played in short bursts against Levante and Villarreal, before being asked to handle a far more demanding match against Atlético.

While he still shows flashes of control and intelligence, he does not look fully fit.

Midfield rotation becomes unavoidable

Flick now faces constant adjustment in the middle of the pitch.

He is expected to again pair Eric Garcia with Pedri in midfield for Wednesday’s match, with a choice between Dani Olmo and Fermín López for the remaining spot, unless he once again turns to a false nine setup.

De Jong may not even make the matchday squad.

Bernal’s injury has also reinforced caution around the young midfielder, who had already been carrying a heavy load during De Jong’s absence.

Gavi, meanwhile, recently featured alongside Pedri in a double pivot but is still being eased back carefully. Flick has spoken positively about his recovery, but he is not yet ready to start high-intensity matches from the opening whistle.

For now, his role is expected to mirror last season: short, controlled cameos that gradually build toward full fitness.

Eric Garcia fills the gaps again

One of Flick’s most flexible solutions has been Eric Garcia, who continues to be used as a utility midfielder to maintain intensity and structure.

That will be particularly important against an Atletico Madrid side expected to play at full strength across the tie.

But intensity alone is not enough. Barcelona also need control in possession, something they have missed in stretches without De Jong and a fully fit Pedri.

Casadó’s role fading

Marc Casadó is now increasingly on the margins of Flick’s plans.

He was substituted in the 37th minute during the 4-0 defeat at the Metropolitano and did not play in the next three matches.

Since then, his minutes have been limited: a start at San Mamés, followed by short appearances against Newcastle, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.

At this stage, his role looks clearly defined. He is a depth option, brought in to raise intensity levels late in games and, if needed, break up play with tactical fouls when the situation demands it.

De Jong remains the missing piece

Even with all the adjustments, Barcelona’s biggest need remains clear: control.

Pedri provides creativity and tempo when fit. De Jong offers continuity and structure, even if he is less decisive in the final third. Flick values both, but right now he is missing one and not getting enough of the other at full capacity.

Until that changes, Barcelona’s midfield will remain a work in progress at exactly the wrong stage of the season.

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