Eight Barcelona stars surpass 3,000 minutes as Hansi Flick faces workload dilemma – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to face Osasuna tonight, but Hansi Flick will have to manage his squad carefully as several of his key players are already feeling the strain of an intense season.

With the Champions League quarterfinals, the Copa del Rey semifinals, and a heated La Liga title race still ahead, the German coach finds himself in a tough spot, having to balance the need for results with player fatigue.

Eight Barcelona Stars Cross the 3,000-Minute Mark

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, eight first-team players have already surpassed 3,000 minutes of play this season for both club and country, highlighting their heavy workload.

The list is led by Jules Koundé, who has played a staggering 4,600 minutes across 51 matches, making him Barça’s most-used player and the sixth most-utilized in Europe’s top leagues.

Here’s a breakdown of the overworked Blaugranes:

The data highlights Flick’s heavy reliance on a core group of players, with minimal rotation. The likes of Pedri, Lewandowski, and Yamal have become near-constant fixtures for both club and country, racking up significant minutes despite the most decisive part of the season still lying ahead.

Key Absence for Osasuna Clash

To further complicate matters, Flick will be without Raphinha tonight, as he has just returned from South American duty and will not be risked. The Brazilian’s absence is a major blow, given his recent form and importance in Barça’s attacking setup.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo are expected to start on the bench, and Robert Lewandowski’s place in the starting XI is still uncertain.

With fatigue and injuries mounting, Flick faces a tricky decision: whether to prioritize short-term results or preserve his stars for the crucial run-in.

Hansi Flick’s Balancing Act

The fixture congestion is taking its toll, especially with Barcelona still competing on multiple fronts. The Champions League’s expanded format, featuring more matches, has only intensified the physical demands on players.

As the La Liga title race heats up and the club chases a potential treble, managing the fitness of Flick’s “Magnificent Eight” will be key to sustaining their push for silverware.