Who Will Replace De Jong?

The Spanish newspaper “Sport” confirmed that FC Barcelona is facing significant questions about its starting lineup before facing Copenhagen on Wednesday in the Champions League, with Frenkie de Jong absent due to suspension and Pedri due to injury, which increases the importance of selecting the player who will occupy the “6” position in midfield.

Coach Hans Flick has several options:

1- Eric’s recovery as a defensive midfielder.

Although this option seemed obvious, some recent dynamics in the team raise doubts. Eric feels more comfortable as a central defender or full-back, while the team’s performance sometimes improves when his position is changed. Flick might rely on a “2+1” combination, with Kouparsi and Gerard Martin as central defenders, and Eric as a defensive midfielder in front of them.

2- Relying on Mark Casado

The biggest surprise in the Oviedo match was Marc Casado starting alongside De Jong in the defensive midfield duo, and this experiment might be repeated against Copenhagen. His presence ensures defensive work and leaves more room for both Olmo and Firmin to focus on the attack, benefiting from his previous experience in this position.

3- The Experiment of Mark Bernal

This option comes as a surprise, as Bernal played limited minutes against Oviedo in the defensive midfield position alongside Casado and De Jong, instead of Olmo. Flick might rely on him as a surprising defensive midfielder against Copenhagen, even though he hasn’t fully proven himself yet.

So far, Flick has not decided between Bernal and Casado to fill De Jong’s position, with Olmo expected to continue as a second pivot and Firmin as an attacking midfielder, pending a decision before the match.