Hansi Flick has taken responsibility for Barcelona’s mounting injury problems as the club, who lead the way in la liga, prepare to travel to Bilbao to face Athletic Club.
Flick said he must shoulder the blame for the wave of hamstring problems that has struck the squad in the past week: Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have all sustained hamstring injuries, while Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain absent. The coach emphasised personal accountability: “It’s always my responsibility, no one else. This is what I want to say here now: not medical staff, not fitness staff, no, it’s my responsibility. ” Robert Lewandowski, who missed a recent cup tie because of a fractured eye socket, will be fit for the trip to San Mamés.
What Happens When Barcelona Visit Athletic Club in La Liga?
The fixture pits a Barcelona side carrying a recent string of away defeats and notable absences against an Athletic Club team that has shown both resilience and recent defensive variance. Athletic have been unbeaten in their last five la liga games (W3 D2) after a prior poor run, and they finished the 2024/25 season with the fewest goals conceded in the league. This season they have conceded 36 goals and arrive on a run of 16 matches across all competitions without a clean sheet.
Head-to-head form heavily favours Barcelona: the Blaugrana have won their last five meetings against Athletic in all competitions, scoring 16 and conceding one. Athletic have not won any of their last 12 league meetings with Barcelona (D2 L10). Individual trends at San Mamés matter too: Guruzeta has scored four of Athletic’s last six la liga goals at the ground and sits one goal shy of matching his previous season tally. Fermin has provided the most assists in la liga in 2026 (five) and has seven assists in 20 league appearances this campaign—more than in his prior two seasons combined.
- Barcelona absentees: Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Andreas Christensen, youngsters Toni Fernández and Jofre Torrents (injury list).
- Athletic absentees and issues: Nico Williams out with a groin injury; Maroan Sannadi out since October; Beñat Prados and Unai Eguiliz sidelined with cruciate injuries; Yeray Álvarez suspended following a failed doping test.
- Available/notable returns: Robert Lewandowski is expected to be fit; Pedri is in line to make his first league start in over a month; Lamine Yamal carries strong recent attacking form.
What If Flick’s Responsibility Prompts a Tactical or Medical Review?
Flick signalled an internal review by saying “We have to discuss what we can make better. If we’re doing some things, we have to analyse it, and make it better. ” He rejected shifting blame to staff and framed the issue as a managerial duty: “If something happens, we speak, which is what I want to do now, what we must do better for the future. “
The immediate consequence is a trimmed matchday squad and pressure on rotation options. Barcelona’s recent away form has slipped—two defeats in their last three la liga away matches, matching their defeat tally from the prior 21 away fixtures in the competition—and the absence of multiple midfield and defensive regulars will test depth. Athletic’s back line, despite earlier season solidity in xG terms, has conceded more this term than in 2024/25 and will aim to exploit disruption to Barcelona’s usual balance.
Flick’s public assumption of responsibility narrows the narrative to internal adjustments rather than external recrimination. He framed the moment with cautious optimism: “we are thinking positive. ” For readers tracking the title race and squad management, the key details are clear—the injury list, the selection implications for Bilbao, and the head-to-head context that still leans heavily toward Barcelona. Observers should watch lineup choices, Pedri’s return, and whether Lewandowski’s availability lifts Barcelona’s immediate attacking profile as they attempt to maintain their position at the top of la liga.
