According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 30, 2026, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly tested an unusual defensive setup ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Deportivo Alaves as he attempts to deal with the club’s growing injury concerns.

The German tactician is considering using Frenkie de Jong alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence, while Brian Farinas has been tried at right-back and Joao Cancelo has occupied the left-back position.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick is examining alternative defensive combinations because Barcelona are dealing with several important absences. Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart are all expected to miss the encounter.

The injury situation has made Flick’s selection decisions more difficult, particularly in central defence. Gerard Martin has also been dealing with minor discomfort, further reducing the manager’s available options.

As a result, De Jong could be handed an unexpected starting role at centre-back alongside Cubarsi. The Dutch international has previously been considered for the position during training sessions. He also returned to action against Real Madrid last weekend after missing an earlier part of the season.

Barcelona’s shortage of right-back options could also create an opportunity for Farinas. The 20-year-old La Masia graduate previously played in that position during pre-season but has yet to make an official senior appearance for the club this season. Saturday’s match could therefore give him the chance to make his first-team debut.

Flick also experimented with an interesting attacking arrangement during Friday’s training session. Pedri and Rodri were deployed as the two defensive midfielders, while Fermin Lopez operated in the attacking midfield position.

Raphinha continued to feature as the central striker despite usually playing on the wing. Another notable adjustment saw Karim Adeyemi deployed on the left flank instead of Anthony Gordon.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal maintained his familiar position on the right wing, with the German attacker potentially in contention for a starting place against Alaves.

However, Flick has yet to make a final decision on his starting lineup as Barcelona prepare to navigate their defensive injury problems and pursue another valuable La Liga victory.