Flick designs two substitutes for Rodri
The injury of the Spanish international has put the German coach in the spotlight, who is working to rebuild his midfield
Rodri will be sidelined for approximately one month after suffering a muscle injury in his right hamstring during the Champions League match against Aston Villa. The latest news about the FC Barcelona is that they will lose their starting midfielder, and Hansi Flick will have to choose between Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong to fill his position, starting with the match on November 8 against Atlético de Madrid.
The club confirmed the injury on November 4, although they did not establish a definitive recovery timeline. Estimates point to three to four weeks, a period that will force the German coach to modify a midfield where Rodri had been a starter in 11 of the 15 official matches of the season.
Spectacular reception from the Barcelona fans for Rodrigo Hernández 👏🏻 https://t.co/N3o5kflbXp
— Raúl Zambrano Cabello (@RaulZambrano7) August 19, 2026
Marc Bernal, the natural replacement for Rodri
Marc Bernal, at 19 years old, appears as one of the alternatives to take over Rodri's position. The homegrown player already substituted the Spanish international during the halftime of the match against Aston Villa, which ended with a 3-0 victory for Barcelona.
The midfielder knows the demands of Hansi Flick and has started in four matches this season: against Elche, Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, and PSG. The outcome was three wins in LaLiga and one defeat in the Champions League. The Barcelona is frustrated with Hansi Flick for the decisions made regarding Rodri.
His profile aligns with that of a positional midfielder. Bernal can provide a reference in front of the center-backs, participate in the buildup play, and allow Pedri to have greater freedom to join the attack.
Rodri's absence may also give him an opportunity to consolidate his position in the first team. The homegrown player will have to compete for the starting role in a position where experience and the ability to interpret spaces are especially important.
Frenkie de Jong also aims to take Rodri's place
The other alternative is Frenkie de Jong, who has fully recovered from his physical issues. The Dutchman returned in the Clásico and subsequently started against Alavés, although on that occasion, he played as a center-back.
De Jong offers different characteristics than Marc Bernal. His ability to carry the ball and surpass lines through dribbling allows the team to progress from deeper positions, although his defensive interpretation of the role is not identical to Rodri's.
The midfielder also needs to regain consistency after a season plagued by injuries. The absence of the signing from Manchester City gives him the chance to gain minutes and regain prominence in Flick's plans.
In addition to both players, Gavi emerges as an alternative to accompany Pedri, while Brian Fariñas could play in that position if necessary.
FC Barcelona faces a schedule without their starting midfielder
Rodri, at 30 years old, joined Barça in August 2026 and signed a contract until June 2030. His signing was aimed at strengthening the midfield with a player capable of taking responsibility both in recovering and distributing the ball.
Flick's first decision will come against Atlético de Madrid, in a direct clash for the lead in LaLiga. Following that, commitments will arise against Villarreal and Sabah in the Champions League. Rodri's recovery will determine if he can return before December, while Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal compete for his position.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Flick diseña dos sustitutos para Rodri