Sports
Barcelona's depleted defense forces new back line ahead of Alavés match
October 28, 2026 at 06:01 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 4 hours
Barcelona host Alavés on Saturday with four defenders injured, leaving coach Hansi Flick to construct a new back line after the Clásico defeat.
- Xavi Espart will miss about seven weeks with an ankle ligament tear suffered in the Clásico defeat to Real Madrid.
- Jules Koundé trained separately from the group, and his availability for Saturday's Alavés encounter remains uncertain.
- Andreas Christensen is expected to be ready for the Champions League match against Aston Villa on November 3, starting on the bench.
- Mundo Deportivo reported Flick has used 10 different defensive lineups in Barcelona's 13 matches this season.