Flick faces defensive crisis: Barcelona head to Paris without Koundé and García

Hansi Flick heads to Paris with a major defensive headache after Barcelona revealed a string of injuries ahead of their UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint‑Germain on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. ([uefa.com](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a8-2174c9e9019d-f909a77bd77a-1000--2026-27-champions-league-all-the-league-phase-fixture/?utm_source=openai))

The Catalans arrived in Seville for Saturday’s 5-2 victory over Real Betis — their 11th straight win of the season — but returned only yesterday and flew to Paris today to prepare a final training session ahead of the Parc des Princes clash. That result extended Barcelona’s winning run, yet left the coach with fresh selection problems.

Key defenders ruled out, squad options thin

Centre‑back Jules Koundé and Eric García picked up injuries during the trip to Seville and are certain to miss the meeting with PSG on 20 October and the El Clásico at Camp Nou this coming weekend (Barcelona v Real Madrid, Sunday, 25 October 2026). García has been ruled out for the next five Barcelona matches — the fixtures named specifically are Paris Saint‑Germain, Real Madrid, Alavés, Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid. ([fcvarcelona.com](https://fcvarcelona.com/en/el-clasico-history/?utm_source=openai))

Flick’s defensive corps is already weakened by the absence of Andreas Christensen, which leaves the coach with only Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo, Xavi Espart and Alejandro Balde available in the backline. Those are the immediate options unless Flick opts for an improvised solution. ([fcbarcelona.es](https://www.fcbarcelona.es/es/futbol/primer-equipo/jugadores/66133?utm_source=openai))

According to the information from the club, Koundé’s injury looks less serious than García’s and there is at least hope he could recover in time for the Camp Nou meeting with Real Madrid; García’s lay‑off is the more prolonged problem. In the short term, Flick is said to be considering using Rodri or Frenkie de Jong in a centre‑back role, after Gerard Martín complained of a knock and was substituted at half‑time against Betis.

The coach now faces a difficult tactical choice, particularly at right‑back — a position both García and Koundé have occupied this season — and his selection for Paris will be closely watched as Barcelona attempt to protect their winning momentum in one of the season’s toughest exams.

Photo: FC Barselona\/Tviter