Barcelona resumed their 2025/26 season with a late 2-1 win over Girona at home in La Liga this weekend as Ronald Araujo scored the winner in additional time to seal all three points for Blaugrana.
Pedri handed the hots an early lead in the 13th minute before Axel Witsel equalized for Girona in the 20th minute. Overall, it was a game of close margins and Barcelona required Araujo's heroics to return to winning ways after suffering a 4-1 thrashing against Sevilla before the international break.
Overall, Hansi Flick is in a major fix in setting up his first eleven in absence of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Raphinha in attack.
Barcelona have a long list of injured players but the injuries in attack are deeply concerning as they don't have sufficient players to properly field a starting eleven against Olympiacos in the midweek Champions League encounter.
As per reports, Flick has tried out a new look front three including Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji.
Interestingly, academy graduate Toni Fernandez started against Girona, but Bardghji is expected to take his spot in the starting eleven with Rashford leading the lines as a proper striker.
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Flick has backed the Manchester United loanee to play a central role against Olympiacos. "Rashford is a good option as a No. 9, but he can also play as an No. 11. That's what we thought when we signed him: he can play as a No. 9 or No. 11, and it's great to have him in our team. He's improved a lot in recent weeks, he gives us a lot of positives, and of course, he can play as a No. 9," Flick told reporters as quoted by Mundo Deportivo ahead of the Olympiacos clash.
Barcelona are severely shorthanded in attack
Barcelona's attacking strength have been severely compromised especially with Torres' absence as the Spaniard has been involved in six goals in 10 La Liga games this season.
However, Rashford's presence must give Flick and the fans a lot of assurance mainly due to his form as the 27-year-old has clocked seven goal contributions in 11 games this season across competitions.
Similarly, it is also a litmus test for Bardghji, who was signed from Copenhagen FC this summer mainly due to his potential.
Flick has been impressed by the youngster and keeps his options open in handing a start for the 19-year-old against Olympiacos.
"We can also consider using him as a striker or as an attacking midfielder, whether he starts on the bench or in the starting lineup. We’re thinking not only about who will start the match but also about who will finish it."
The teenager is yet to score a goal for Barcelona and if he gets a start against Olympiacos, the Swede will hope to open his account for his new club.
Barcelona news and related links
- Barcelona eye Marcus Rashford reunion with controversial former Man United star
- Rashford vs Yamal: Did Barcelona treat their stars unequally?
- Hansi Flick breaks silence on rift with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona