According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday October 27, 2026, after Xavi Espart's injury, Barcelona may promote academy midfielder Brian Farinas to the right back position, a role that Hansi Flick had already tried Farinas out in during preseason.

As the Catalan club evaluates their defensive situation, rumors have it that the 18-year-old is being considered as one of several options.

Jules Kounde is making progress toward a return to action, Eric Garcia is continuing his recovery, and Espart is expected to miss seven weeks. Flick may have another option with Farinas, who has not yet made a competitive first-team debut, thanks to his versatility.

After joining La Masia in 2018, Farinas's reputation was further enhanced by his consistent performances for Barcelona Atletic last season. Despite his preference for playing in the middle of the field, Flick tried him out at right back during the summer training sessions for the club.

When Farinas came on as a substitute for Espart in defense against Birmingham City on July 31, that's when the most significant opportunity came. He gave the coaching staff another option with his 28 minutes of play, smart positioning, and adaptability.

Aside from the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al-Ahli, Farinas was a part of Barcelona's triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. But he was most at home in the middle of the field, where he made those appearances.

The rookie played in five preseason friendlies, clocking 198 minutes. Flick lauded his performances and characterized him as a fantastic player with great ability before Barcelona's third La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. The midfielder has yet to make his official first-team debut, even with that endorsement.

Farinas may not have many chances to shine in his natural position because of how competitive the midfield is at Barcelona. Because of the present defensive injury crisis, a new route into Flick's senior team may open up.

Barcelona might require supplementary right-back coverage with Espart out, Garcia on the mend, and Kounde still not back.

Farinas lacks experience in the position, but his trial run in the preseason has provided Flick with a potential short-term fix that doesn't involve a permanent role change.