Hansi Flick's selection headache grows as Chavi Espart is doubtful for El Clásico
After the 4-2 defeat to PSG and Dani Olmo’s month-long absence, 19-year-old left-back Chavi Espart is being assessed for an ankle issue and may miss Sunday at Camp Nou.
Published: 22.10.2026 16:15
Hansi Flick faces fresh selection problems ahead of the El Clásico at Camp Nou on Sunday at 21:00, after new injury concerns emerged from Barcelona's midweek trip to Paris.
Chavi Espart's availability in doubt
Barcelona arrived in the match having won 11 out of 11 fixtures this season, only to suffer a 4-2 defeat to PSG. The loss brought immediate personnel issues: Dani Olmo left at half-time and has been ruled out for roughly one month.
Further worries came later from that same game. Nineteen-year-old left-back Chavi Espart — who scored his second goal of the season and added two assists against PSG — was substituted in Paris with an ankle problem. He has since undergone additional tests and it remains unclear whether he will be fit to play on Sunday.
The Catalans' back line is already weakened by injuries to Jules Koundé and Eric Garcia, and Espart's absence would further deplete Barcelona's defensive options ahead of the high-profile clash with Real Madrid.
Flick must now weigh possible lineup changes and defensive reshuffles as he prepares his side for one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar.
Photo: Barcelona (X)
