Hansi Flick could be without Rodri for Barcelona’s much-anticipated clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The midfielder is struggling with muscle fatigue, and the coaching staff may rest him rather than risk making it worse.
Barcelona travel to the Parc des Princes this evening for the standout fixture of the third round of the Champions League league phase.
Rodri struggles in training
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus revealed that Rodri was below his best in training and finished the session battling muscle fatigue. It is not a sprain or a serious injury, he explained, but it could be enough to persuade Flick to leave him out of the starting line-up as a precaution.
Fellow journalist Alfredo Martinez pointed in the same direction, suggesting all signs point to Rodri being rested against PSG. That would be a serious blow to Barcelona’s plans ahead of a hugely difficult European test.
Why Rodri matters
Rodri plays a pivotal role in midfield. He organizes possession, controls the tempo and limits the opponent’s threat.
Against a side as dangerous going forward as PSG, Barcelona could find it even harder to keep their balance and control the central areas without him.
More problems for Flick
Flick’s problems do not end there. Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are both confirmed absentees. That leaves the German with limited options and a tricky task in holding the balance between his defensive and midfield lines.