Hansi Flick finds Eric Garcia and Koundé's replacement

Latest news on Barcelona. Hansi Flick is preparing a makeshift defense to face PSG on October 20th, with Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé sidelined due to injury. João Cancelo, Xavi Espart, Gerard Martín, and Pau Cubarsí are potential candidates to form a defense that the coach will need to reorganize for the Champions match.

Barcelona lost two defenders during the 2-5 victory against Betis. In addition to these absences, Andreas Christensen remains out with physical issues, leaving Flick with few natural alternatives to complete the backline.

Hansi Flick seeks to cover the absences of Eric Garcia and Koundé

Eric Garcia's absence will be longer-lasting as the club confirmed a muscle injury in the anterior rectus of the right thigh, estimating a three to four-week recovery period. The defender will also miss the October 25th Clásico.

Jules Koundé's situation is different. The Frenchman suffered a sprained left ankle and will miss the match against PSG, with his recovery determining his availability for the Real Madrid clash. Flick thus loses two players capable of operating in both central and fullback positions.

In this scenario, João Cancelo has increased chances of starting. The Portuguese player returned to Barcelona in January 2026, on loan from Al Hilal until the end of the season, and his versatility allows him to cover either flank. His specific position will depend on how Flick arranges the remaining available defenders.

Cancelo and Espart, alternatives for Barcelona's fullbacks

One potential lineup places Xavi Espart at right-back and Cancelo on the left. The young academy player is part of the squad for Paris and could assume a greater responsibility due to the absences, while the Portuguese brings experience to a highly-demanding European fixture.

Another key piece is Gerard Martín, included in the squad despite ending the Betis game with discomfort. If fit to play, he could partner with Pau Cubarsí in the central defense. This combination would allow Cancelo and Espart to occupy the fullback roles.

However, Martín's presence is not certain until assessing his physical condition and the coach's final decision. If he cannot play as a central defender, Flick will need to consider less conventional alternatives to complete the defense.

Flick's options if Gerard Martín is unavailable

The coach has also contemplated the option of deploying a midfielder to cover a defensive emergency. Rodri Hernández ended the Betis match playing as a center-back after Eric Garcia's exit, while Frenkie de Jong is among those who could offer a temporary solution in that role.

Additionally, Barcelona has added the young Àlex Campos, an 18-year-old central defender, to the Champions League squad. His inclusion expands the team's choices, although he has yet to make his debut with the first team.

The final decision hinges on Gerard Martín's physical evaluation and the last training sessions in Paris. Hansi Flick will need to choose between maintaining a defense with natural profiles and resorting to tactical adjustments, aiming to contain PSG immediately and approach the October 25th Clásico with minimal fatigue.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hansi Flick encuentra al sustituto de Eric Garcia y Koundé