Barcelona are facing an ongoing injury nightmare over midfield star Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch international has been out of action for the La Liga giants since injuring his ankle against Real Madrid back in April. That ended his 2023/24 campaign, and he subsequently missed out on Euro 2024, and the fitness setbacks continue.

Barcelona will be under-strength when they make a LaLiga trip to Villarreal, having lost several players to injury, but coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he is confident his squad is strong enough to adapt to the challenges it faces.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick insists his team can cope with an increased workload and that he will make no excuses despite having to deal with a lengthy injury list but has joined a growing list of high-profile footballing names calling on UEFA and FIFA to make alterations to a packed schedule.