Hansi Flick Confident Injuries Won’t Halt Barcelona’s Title Push, Lewandowski Fit for Athletic Clash

Hansi Flick is confident that Barcelona can continue their LaLiga title pursuit despite a recent spate of injuries, as they prepare to visit Athletic Club on Saturday.

Barca suffered setbacks when defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde picked up injuries during Tuesday’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Atletico Madrid — a result insufficient to overturn a four-goal first-leg deficit. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi remain sidelined, though Robert Lewandowski is fit to face Athletic.

“These things happen. I’m not happy,” Flick told reporters on Friday. “We have to talk about what we can improve. That is always my responsibility. It’s not on the medical staff or the physios — it’s my responsibility. I want to talk to the doctors, the physios, and the technical staff to see what we can do better. It’s about managing the team, and it’s not pleasant, especially at such a crucial moment. But we’re optimistic. This gives other players the opportunity to show how good they are.”

Barcelona currently lead LaLiga by four points after Real Madrid’s shock 1-0 home loss to Getafe on Monday. Athletic sit ninth in the table.

“There’s still a long way to go until the end of May. There are many games left. On Tuesday, we had two more injuries… We have to deal with it and move on. We need to stay optimistic about the things we can’t change,” Flick added.

Despite falling short of reaching the Copa del Rey final, the German coach found plenty to encourage him in his team’s performance.

“In the end, it wasn’t enough, and we have to accept that. But my feeling is that we are at a very high level — and that should give us confidence,” Flick said.