Flick faces defensive crisis ahead of Alavés clash

Hans Flick, the manager of FC Barcelona, is preparing to make new defensive changes against Alavés on Saturday, October 31, after injuries have prevented him from repeating any of the defensive formations he used during the first 13 official matches of the season, according to "Mundo Deportivo".

FC Barcelona have received another blow with Xavi Espart's injury during the clásico, joining Erik and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines. Koundé is the only one who might be fit for the match against Alavés, ahead of the clash with Aston Villa on November 3.

Jules Koundé has suffered an ankle sprain against Real Betis, while Christensen is dealing with a muscle injury that will keep him out of the next match, with a possibility of returning against Atlético on November 8. Meanwhile, Erik García continues to recover from a muscle injury he sustained against Betis.

Hansi Flick has used 10 different defensive formations this season, with the quartet of Erik García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Xavi Espart featuring the most, having started three matches against Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, and Levante.

The coach's options are becoming more difficult as João Cancelo has not started any match as a right-back, while Baldé has not started any match as a left-back, managing only 86 minutes across three matches.

In contrast, FC Barcelona are not suffering from many injuries in midfield and attack, which gives Flick options to rotate and rest the more fatigued players, after he acknowledged that his players were not in their best physical condition before the Clasico.