Alternatives to De Jong in the First Team and the Reserve Team

Barcelona faces concerns about Frenkie de Jong's condition, with the player suffering from syndesmosis issues in his ankle, which are hard to detect and treat. This could jeopardize his preseason, posing a problem for coach Flick, who sees De Jong as a key player.

Flick has several alternatives for the double pivot position. One option is moving Christensen to midfield, where he performed well last season. Gündogan could also fill this role, though he prefers playing as an attacking midfielder. Gavi is another potential option but will need several months to recover. Pedri has experience in the double pivot but excels as an attacking midfielder. Promising Barça Atlètic player Casadó will join the first team as well.

Other options like Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto are less likely. Romeu might move to Girona, and Roberto, whose contract expired on June 30, may still return to Barça.

The club aims to sign a new midfielder, with Joshua Kimmich being Flick's top choice to strengthen the double pivot (4-2-3-1).

Flick also plans to evaluate promising Barça Atlètic players during the preseason, including Marc Berrnal, who is expected to renew his contract soon.