1 week Ago
Barcelona’s defeat at Real Sociedad was another timely reminder that the Catalan giants don’t have enough strength in depth to sustain a title tilt if they’re hit by injury problems. Form can come and go, individually and collectively, but an injury that rules a player out for any length of time is often hugely problematic. Losing Frenkie de Jong has proven the point, even if the Dutchman is yet to recapture his best form.
Lamine Yamal didn’t end up showing his face at the Reale Arena, and despite being just 17 years of age, it was abundantly clear how much he was missed. Jules Kounde was completely lost down the right channel without having the outlet that Lamine provides, whilst the team as a whole, devoid of his creativity and menace, looked moribund as an attacking threat against Real Sociedad. Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images It’s now been confirmed by the club that he will be missing for another couple of weeks , but given that his absence falls during yet another international break, that isn’t the worst timing in the world.
Ditto Robert Lewandowski who will be sidelined for 10 days or so with a back complaint. Were the Polish centre-forward not return in a timely fashion, his only realistic replacement is Pau Victor. Ferran Torres could do a job there, but he too is still out.
Even if he were not, his form has been that poor in 2024/25, that it’s unlikely that Hansi Flick would turn to him unless it was a last resort. The January transfer window therefore can’t come soon enough, provided Barca can find any money to spend. Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images With Real Madrid potentially only three points behind by then should they win their game in hand, one or two new faces to liven up the squad will be just the ticket.
Competition for places is vital for any team, let alone one that has aspirations of winning titles both domestically and in Europe. It is hoped the announcement of the new kit deal with Nike should ensure that the club are able to invest in the squad over the next couple of windows, and if they are able to land one or two targets in the first month of the new year, it’s likely to give Barca the impetus they need to push forward to the business end of the campaign. Not to mention, shoring up the squad exactly where Hansi Flick needs it.
After such a strong start, the Catalans can’t afford for their season to be derailed now, and for wholly avoidable reasons..
