Barcelona turn to Brian Farinas as Xavi Espart injury forces defensive rethink

Hans Flick is considering Barcelona midfielder Brian Farinas as an emergency option at right-back after Xavi Espart suffered an injury, disrupting the club’s plans in defence.

Espart had been filling the position consistently while Eric Garcia recovered and Jules Kounde worked towards regaining full fitness. His absence has left Flick needing an alternative, with the Barcelona manager now looking at a solution that had not previously been widely considered.

Farinas has not played a single competitive minute this season, but he earned Flick’s full confidence during pre-season and is now a strong contender to cover at right-back.

The 31 October 2026 fixture against Deportivo Alaves could provide the backdrop for a potential opportunity.

Farinas impresses in unfamiliar role

Farinas joined from Benicarlo and graduated from La Masia in 2018. His performances in training with the first team helped change the club’s thinking about his future and contributed to Barcelona rejecting the possibility of him moving to Girona last summer.

That decision followed an outstanding campaign with Barcelona Atletic, where Farinas impressed with his consistency, ability to make runs into the penalty area and quality in creating chances.

The midfielder’s possible conversion to right-back is not a new idea for Flick. During the summer friendlies, he was mainly used in both a holding and attacking midfield role, but the manager also tested him at right-back in the match against Birmingham City on 31 July.

Farinas replaced Espart in that game and made an impression during his 28 minutes on the pitch. His tactical understanding and adaptability persuaded Flick that he could be useful in more than one position.

He also featured in the three-team tournament in Udine against Nottingham Forest and Udinese, as well as the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly. Those appearances came in midfield, his usual position, taking his pre-season total to five matches and 198 minutes.

Before Barcelona’s La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano on matchday three, Flick publicly praised Farinas, saying: “He impressed me a lot in pre-season. He is an excellent and very talented player, and he is fully fit and absolutely committed.”

Number four reflects Barcelona faith

Flick has acknowledged that Farinas would find it difficult to secure regular midfield minutes given the competition for places. However, Barcelona signalled their long-term belief in him at the end of the summer transfer window by registering him with the first team and handing him the number four shirt previously worn by Ronald Araujo.

The decision underlines the club’s intention to develop Farinas as part of their long-term plans, despite his spending most of the season either on the substitutes’ bench or outside the squad because of limited places.

Espart’s injury could now give the overlooked youngster the chance to move from promising prospect to an emergency solution for Barcelona.