Four Barcelona players at risk of automatic suspension heading into Mallorca clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to face Mallorca tonight as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. However, a key concern hangs over the heads of Hansi Flick and his coaching staff.

Following their dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, four Barça players—Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde, and Gavi—are walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Each of the four players is currently on four yellow cards in La Liga. Should any of them receive a booking tonight against Mallorca, they would be suspended for the following domestic fixture against Real Valladolid.

While missing that match would be far from ideal, the real danger lies in the fixture that follows—Barcelona’s highly anticipated clash against Real Madrid on 11 May.

Missing key players for El Clasico could significantly damage Barça’s title hopes.

Flick’s Dilemma: Play it safe or take the gamble?

Flick now finds himself in a delicate situation. He has two options:

Field these players against Mallorca and risk them picking up a yellow card that would rule them out of the Valladolid game—or rest them for tonight, preserve their discipline, and ensure they are available for the all-important clash against Real Madrid.

Alternatively, should none of the four players receive a caution tonight, Flick might be forced to bench them against Valladolid to protect them from a suspension.

Gavi and Inigo Martinez are one booking away from automatic suspension. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

That, however, would weaken his squad for a potentially tricky match where dropped points could hand an advantage to their title rivals.

It is also possible that Flick could instruct one or two of them to deliberately get booked tonight, serve their suspension during the Valladolid match, and return fresh for El Clasico.

It is a tactic managers have used before, but it comes with its own risks, including the possibility that the referee does not cooperate or gives a second yellow.

Eyes on Mallorca, but Madrid looms large

Barcelona are still within striking distance of the La Liga crown, and every match from this point forward matters.

Mallorca may not be the strongest opponent on paper, but with four key players on the verge of suspension, the stakes are high.

Flick’s decisions tonight could have lasting consequences—not just for the Valladolid game but also for the defining match of the season against Real Madrid.

Whether he opts for caution or risk, the next 90 minutes will say a lot about Flick’s approach to squad management in pressure situations.