Forgotten Barcelona youth star could emerge as emergency right back after Xavi Espart injury – report

Forgotten Barcelona youth star could emerge as emergency right back after Xavi Espart injury – report Barcelona could turn to Brian Farinas to cover at right-back following Xavi Espart’s injury, with Hansi Flick having already tested the academy midfielder in the position during pre-season.  According to Mundo Deportivo , the young player is among the options under consideration as Barcelona assess their defensive alternatives while Eric Garcia recovers from injury and Jules Kounde works towards a return . Farinas has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance, but his performances during the summer caught Flick’s attention.  His versatility could now offer Barcelona an alternative as the manager looks to manage the uncertainty surrounding the right-back position. Farinas emerges as right-back option after pre-season trial Farinas joined La Masia in 2018 and strengthened his reputation with consistent performances for Barça Atletic last season.  Although he primarily operates in midfield, Flick explored his suitability for a different role during Barcelona’s pre-season programme. Flick tried Brian Farinas on the right during pre-season. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) The most notable test came against Birmingham City on July 31, when Farinas replaced Xavi Espart at right-back.  He played 28 minutes and impressed with his intelligent positioning and adaptability, giving Flick another possible solution to Barcelona’s defensive problem. Hansi Flick impressed by Farinas Farinas also featured in the triangular tournament against Nottingham Forest and Udinese, as well as the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al-Ahly.  Those appearances came in midfield, where he is more accustomed to playing. Across five friendlies, the academy midfielder accumulated 198 minutes.  Xavi Espart will be out for seven weeks. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Before Barcelona’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on the third matchday, Flick praised his pre-season performances and described him as an excellent, highly talented player, although he is yet to hand him his official debut. Barcelona right-back crisis could open door for Farinas Flick has acknowledged that competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield is intense, potentially limiting Farinas’ chances of establishing himself in his natural position.  The current injury situation could therefore provide a different route into the first team. With Espart sidelined , Eric Garcia recovering and Kounde pushing to return, Barcelona may need additional cover at right-back.  Farinas is not an established option in that role, but his pre-season experience gives Flick a potential alternative without requiring a permanent positional change.