Flick's Barça Secures League Title Despite Injury-Plagued Season

The Blaugrana squad overcame numerous injury setbacks to clinch their second consecutive championship.

Generic image of a soccer ball on a green field.
IA

Generic image of a soccer ball on a green field.

FC Barcelona, under the management of Flick, has successfully defended its La Liga title for the second consecutive year, despite enduring a season marked by a high number of player injuries.

This achievement holds particular significance, as nearly the entire squad has spent time in the infirmary. Only five first-team players managed to avoid injuries: Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, who played extensive minutes; Roony and Szczesny, regular substitutes; and Ronald Araujo, who was sidelined for a month and a half in late 2025 due to mental health concerns, not physical issues.
Some players experienced minor ailments, resulting in absences of no more than ten days. These include Ferran Torres, Rashford, and Eric Garcia, who had to play with a protective mask after a nasal fracture. Robert Lewandowski and Fermín López also required facial protection, without prolonged absences. Other cases include Dani Olmo, who was out for a month with a shoulder dislocation, and Joan Garcia, who missed two months due to a meniscus injury early in the season.

"Lewy's new mask 🎭"

FC Barcelona
However, key figures such as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong accumulated multiple injuries throughout the campaign, forcing coach Flick to constantly seek solutions, especially in crucial matches. The second leg of the Copa semifinals in March proved to be a turning point, with simultaneous hamstring injuries to Kounde and Balde.
Furthermore, Raphinha suffered his third injury of the season after international duty with Brazil, although he has now been medically cleared. Marc Bernal has returned after an ankle sprain, and Christensen, who was out for four months with a cruciate ligament rupture in his knee, has resumed training.

"Now it's really happening. Welcome back, Raphina! 酪"

FC Barcelona
Other long-term absentees included Ter Stegen, who underwent back surgery before the season began, and Gavi, who tore his cruciate ligament in late August and was out for half a year. Barring any further setbacks, Lamine Yamal will be the only player to finish the season in the infirmary due to a thigh injury. Looking ahead to the next season, Flick has identified improving physical preparation as a top priority.