Hansi Flick set to deploy key Barcelona midfielder in an advanced role vs Girona | Barca Universal

"Barcelona are currently going through a tough period, with the club coming on the back of two consecutive defeats in all competitions. The team is also dealing with an apparent injury crisis, especially in the attacking midfield role, where Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi are all injured, though there's a chance Lopez could make the team. All of them will be unavailable for the upcoming game against Girona, while Raphinha, too, remains a huge doubt."

"But it appears Flick favours Pedri in the advanced role, with Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado operating deeper in midfield. The German tactician has historically refrained from deploying Pedro in an attacking role, as he prefers the Spaniard's qualities more in a number eight position. But with Fermin, Olmo, Gavi and Lamine Yamal ruled out, Flick is running out of options, especially with Raphinha also a doubt, heading into the Girona clash next weekend."

"According to Diario SPORT, Flick is expected to deploy Pedri in an attacking midfield role against Girona in order to combat the ongoing injury crisis. It was earlier reported that Dro could be a beneficiary of the injury crisis and potentially start against Girona. Flick, though, will be mindful of Barcelona's fixtures list this month and, therefore, will be cautious with Pedri. That is where alternatives such as Dro could come in handy."

Barcelona are currently in a difficult run, having suffered two consecutive defeats in all competitions. The squad faces an injury crisis in attacking midfield, with Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi sidelined and Raphinha a major doubt for the Girona match. Hansi Flick is expected to shift Pedri into an advanced attacking midfield role for the upcoming game. Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado are likely to operate deeper in midfield. Dro had been linked as a potential starter, but Flick appears to favour Pedri despite historically using him as a number eight. Fixture congestion will influence Pedri's minutes and alternative options remain.

Read at Barca Universal