Barcelona faces one of those scenarios no coach wants to experience: the possible prolonged absence of a key player at the most delicate moment of preseason. Frenkie de Jong returned from the Netherlands' World Cup campaign with a serious knee injury, and while the club completes all medical tests awaiting a definitive diagnosis, concern within the Blaugrana organisation is at its peak. Early prognosis is not looking good: the possibility that the Dutch midfielder could be sidelined for months is being considered.

Flick launches an emergency audition

Facing the possibility of a prolonged absence by De Jong, Hansi Flick has decided to activate a Plan B that goes through the academy. According to mundodeportivo.com, the German coach prefers to look in-house before making market expenditure, a philosophy he has already demonstrated on previous occasions. What is interesting about this is that Flick rules out no option: from external reinforcements to the emergence of academy prospects, to the possible retention of players set to leave.

One of those decisions that makes sense given this situation is that of Casadó, whose departure could be halted if De Jong is finally forced to spend time on the sidelines. The young player commands the position with ease, even if it is not his natural one, and could serve as a temporary stopgap while the Dutch international recovers.

The internal candidates: young talent for an emergency

Flick has begun a thorough analysis of the available players in Barcelona's academy preseason. The names on the table are varied in age and profile, although not all possess exactly De Jong's characteristics:

• Tommy Marqués (19 years old): Versatile midfielder capable of also playing as a central midfielder. Flick knows him well.
• Orián Goren (17 years old): The Israeli is a midfielder with plenty of class according to the Blaugrana hierarchy. His profile resembles that of Pedri in terms of characteristics.
• Ibrahim Diarra (19 years old): Quick and technical midfielder who already completed preseason a year ago, though an injury stopped him in his tracks at the time.
• Guille (18 years old): Has experience with the first team and stands out for his physical power as a midfielder.
• Toni (18 years old): Cousin of the above. Occupies more advanced positions, but has talent to adapt to another role.
• Brian Fariñas (20 years old): Was close to completing his transfer to Girona, but De Jong's injury has halted that operation. Flick believes he deserves a chance to prove his level before authorising his departure.

An unexpected opportunity for academy players

The reality is that a crisis can become an opportunity for these academy-trained footballers. While Flick evaluates during these first weeks of work which profile could best fill the void left by De Jong, some of these youngsters can demonstrate they are ready to take a step forward. Not all fit perfectly with the Dutchman's characteristics, but Flick rules out no option.

What is crucial now is to wait for the club to release an official statement on De Jong's condition. In the meantime, Barcelona's preseason becomes more than just physical conditioning: it is a laboratory where Flick seeks urgent answers to a question nobody wanted to arrive so soon. Are any of these academy players ready for the definitive leap?