Hansi Flick does not want to take any more risks with the FC Barcelona squad ahead of the return to competition after the international break. The Azulgrana team will face Valencia next Sunday the 14th (9:00 PM) with the confirmed absence of Alejandro Balde (left biceps femoris) and the doubts of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, both with muscular problems.
In that sense, given the confirmed absence of Álex for the match of matchday 4 of LaLiga, as well as for the debut in the Champions League against Newcastle (Thursday the 18th in England), Flick prefers to take care of Jofre Torrents, his 'secret weapon' to cover the gap left by the '3'.
Jofre Torrents does not play with the reserve team: absolute priority with Barça
In principle, Gerard Martí is the first option to replace Balde, but Torrents will do the same, watching the back of the '18'. Therefore, the Azulgrana coach preferred that the 18-year-old defender not play with Barça Atlètic this Sunday in their debut in the Second RFEF.
Juliano Belletti's team debuts against Porreres (12:00 PM), a match where the Brazilian coach will have Toni, Guille and 'Dro' Fernández available. In principle, Jofre would also be a starter with the reserve team, but Balde's injury changes the scenario for the left-back. The player from La Selva del Camp already played 22 minutes against Mallorca and was a substitute against Leavnte and Rayo.
In that sense, just as Juvenil A must adapt to the needs of Barça Atlètic, the reserve team must also do the same with the first team. Therefore, if Hansi Flick decides to preserve one of the youth players, Belletti has no choice but to leave him out.
The German coach prioritizes that all players have the best preparation and adaptation, but he also does not want to take risks by leaving gaps in the Barcelona squad. Without Héctor Fort in the team (he left on loan to Elche), the Azulgrana team only has Martí and Torrents to replace Álex.
Flick, attentive to the evolution of Gavi and Frenkie, prefers not to risk Torrents
Sufficient and quality alternatives to the '3', but leaving everything exclusively in the hands of Gerard does not seem like a sensible solution. Nor does it seem wise to risk Jofre Torrents in a very physical football in the fourth category of Spanish football. Atlètic will do everything possible to be promoted this year, but the challenge will not be easy at all.
In any case, Juliano Belletti will have to manage as best as he can, using Juvenil A when necessary. Barça's schedule in September includes league matches against Valencia, Getafe and Real Sociedad at home, as well as a visit to Oviedo.
In the Champions League, they will visit Newcastle before hosting Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. In principle, Alejandro Balde will be out for about three weeks, so he would only return at the end of September.
Gavi, meanwhile, is also doubtful against Valencia and Newcastle due to pain in his right knee. Frenkie de Jong's problem seems less serious, pending further tests on Monday. The midfielder left the Netherlands camp due to a pain in his gluteus, but he should be available against the 'ché' team.