"Flick lost Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde to injury during the game, so has taken the chance to take a check on some of the club's exciting youngsters. Espart has just returned to action after recovering from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for several months."
"The 18-year-old has previously been tipped to break into the first team - and ultimately take over from Jules Kounde - and will be hoping for minutes going forwards. As for Pacifico, he only arrived in the winter window on loan from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting to strengthen Barca Atletic."
"Barca are expected to be without Kounde and Balde until after the next international break, meaning Flick will have to switch things around at the back for the coming games against Athletic Club, Newcastle, Sevilla and Rayo."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick invited youngsters Xavi Espart and Patricio Pacifico to train with the first team following injuries sustained during the 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were both injured during the match, prompting Flick to evaluate promising academy talent. Espart, an 18-year-old defender, recently returned from a knee injury and has been identified as a potential successor to Kounde. Pacifico, a winter loan signing from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting, also participated in the session. Both Balde and Kounde are expected to miss matches against Athletic Club, Newcastle, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano until after the international break, requiring defensive adjustments.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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