The four options that Barça has to solve the loss of Marc Casadó against Las Palmas

FC Barcelona will face the challenge against UD Las Palmas with a significant absence in their usual starting lineup. Hansi Flick's team will take on the Canaries without one of their key 'leaders' in the midfield, namely the 21-year-old midfielder, Marc Casadó, who, in the previous LaLiga EA Sports match against Celta de Vigo (2-2), unfortunately got sent off in the 82nd minute, rendering him ineligible for the upcoming match against the 'Pio-Pio' team.

With this scenario in mind, Hansi Flick will have to make a significant change in his tactical board, as the position of Marc Casadó in the double pivot of the midfield base will be vacant, and he will need to replace him with a player resembling Sant Pere de Vilamajor. The '17' culé is that box-to-box midfielder, diligent defensively and adept at creating connections in the midfield, offering himself as a free passing option and being a very accurate passer, ideal for adding mobility to the game.

Fortunately, Barcelona has several assets to reinforce their midfield in the absence of Casadó. Initially, two names should be ruled out from this equation: Pedri González, as he is part of the double pivot, and Dani Olmo, who, barring exceptional circumstances, should play as an attacking midfielder, a role in which he has proven to be most effective, as seen in the match against Stade Brestois (3-0), where he displayed, including a goal, the importance he can have in that final third of the field with creative freedom.

FC Barcelona's options to cover for Marc Casadó's absence against Las Palmas

Given this scenario, the list appears to narrow down to four candidates: Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López, and Eric García, who seems likely to be medically cleared for the match against UD Las Palmas. Considering this, it is important to weigh the potential scenarios and the contributions these players could make in that area, where none are natural, but have shown they can perform there.

Gavi

Initially, due to a combination of factors, fielding Gavi could be a plausible scenario. The Andalusian is fully recovered from his injury and, although he usually plays in more advanced positions, it would not be surprising to see him shift his position back, given his intense physical presence and his ability to contribute defensively in that area. Additionally, he is highly diligent in the offensive aspect, making him a suitable candidate.

Frenkie de Jong

Another name to consider is Frenkie de Jong, a midfielder who has shown to be a more creative and less physical pivot. His defensive contribution currently is not at its best, and he has shown some vulnerability due to recent physical issues, which could work against him.

Fermín López

On the other hand, there is Fermín López, whose role could be up for debate. If Lamine Yamal ultimately recovers and is included in the starting eleven, the Huelva native could be an option for the pivot due to his physical intensity, despite being more of an attacking midfielder. Now, if the right winger is not in the starting lineup, the German coach could consider assigning Fermín a different role, such as a false left winger, as he did against Stade Brestois.

Eric García

Lastly, there is the case of Eric García, likely the option with the fewest minutes, as he would return after several days of being injured. His physical condition to start is uncertain, but if he is fully fit, he could be an interesting player due to his defensive profile as a natural defender, and his ability on the ball, as he has shown on several occasions.