Barcelona travel to the Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday with top spot in La Liga at stake, and Hansi Flick must do it without Rodri. The midfielder came off with a hamstring problem during Tuesday's match against Aston Villa and is expected to be unavailable for roughly a month, according to Goal.com.
The injury takes Rodri out of a fixture that could shape the early title race. Barcelona and Atlético meet on matchday 12 with first place on the line, and Flick's squad is already stretched by absences at the back.
Why it matters
Rodri's absence removes a settled option from the centre of the pitch for one of Barcelona's most demanding away games of the season. Flick has to decide whether to keep faith with the player who filled in against Villa or turn to a more experienced name.
The defensive situation matters just as much. Barcelona's back line has been hit by injuries, and Flick's choices there may determine how much freedom the team can afford going forward against Diego Simeone's side.
Two defenders cleared, but only one is likely to start
There is some relief for Flick. Eric García and Andreas Christensen have both been passed fit, Goal.com reports.
García hurt the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh against Real Betis on 17 October, an injury initially projected to keep him out for three to four weeks. He returned in three and is available, with Flick saying at Saturday's press conference that the Spaniard is ready and could even begin the match.
Christensen's case is different. The Dane started the season well before picking up an injury to the rectus femoris of the quadriceps in his left leg in Seville on 19 September. The six-week prognosis he was given runs out this week. He will make the trip to the Metropolitano, but Flick indicated he will not take the risk of playing him.
Goal.com, citing a report in Sport, notes that Xavi Espart and Jules Koundé are also unavailable. With so many defenders missing and Flick reluctant to rely on Baldé, the coach has been weighing Bryan Gil at right-back. Whether he keeps the former Valencia player there or opts for Eric García instead, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo are expected to complete the defence.
The midfield question
Replacing Rodri is the puzzle Flick has had the least time to solve. Against Aston Villa he brought in Marc Bernal, who produced a strong second half next to Pedri.
Bernal is now competing directly with Frenkie de Jong for a starting place. De Jong has been getting more minutes since returning from the injury he sustained at the 2026 World Cup, and his availability gives Flick a choice between continuity and experience.
Further forward, Goal.com reports that Fermin Lopez is expected to operate as the playmaker, with Lamine Yamal on the right, Raphinha through the middle and Gordon on the left. Adeyemi is another option after playing no part against Villa in the Champions League.
Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Goal.com, has published an expected Barcelona line-up for the matchday 12 fixture in a 4-2-3-1 shape.
Atlético's own absences
Atlético are not at full strength either. Cristian Romero remains out with a muscle injury, and Johnny Cardoso is unavailable because of a thigh problem, per Goal.com.
Morten Hjulmand returns after missing the Bayern Munich game, and Lee Kang-in could come back into the starting eleven alongside Julián Álvarez.
What to watch: Flick's two calls — Bernal or De Jong in midfield, and Gil or Eric García at right-back — will show how much he is willing to gamble with first place on the line.
