For FC Barcelona, the 2025-26 season has seen a number of injuries amongst its players. With a number of key figures sidelined, the club must navigate both short-term competitive challenges and the longer-term impact on squad structure.
The constant setbacks have caused many issues for the managerial team, but have seen some key players be highlighted in the current games. Much like in slots, taking a chance on less experienced players like Lamine Yamal to make a huge difference in the prominent games.
Below, we break down the injury situation for pivotal players, highlight those still available to lead the team, and consider what comes next for Barça.
Injured key players
Gavi (Central Midfield)
Arguably one of Barcelona’s most influential young midfielders, Gavi has been forced to undergo surgery on a meniscus injury in his right knee. The prognosis is harsh: his return is not expected before early 2026, reportedly in February at the earliest. This places huge pressure on Barcelona’s midfield structure, as the club loses not only his energy and pressing ability, but also the continuity he brought to the central areas.
Pedri Gonzalez (Central Midfield)
A vital presence in midfield alongside Gavi, Pedri suffered a tear of the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh in late October. The timescale was a few weeks, but it came at a tricky moment for Barcelona, limiting the team’s ability to deploy its preferred midfield pairing and forcing rotation or tactical adjustments. However, Pedri is now nearing his return.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Goalkeeper)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined after undergoing back surgery in July, with a return now projected for late 2025 or early 2026. Despite his absence, there is little cause for concern at Barcelona.
The German goalkeeper has fallen out of favor at the Catalan club, and the Blaugranes have already brought in Joan Garcia from Espanyol this summer to take over as first-choice goalkeeper.
Garcia’s recent performances have further cemented his position, leaving Ter Stegen facing the prospect of limited game time. He is also behind Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order, meaning he may need to consider options elsewhere if he wants regular minutes.
Available key players who must step up
While the injury list is sobering, Barcelona still has high-impact players who must carry the club through this period.
Raphinha (Winger/Attacker)
The Brazilian winger continues to be one of Barcelona’s most reliable attacking options. He recently missed around two months of action due to a muscle injury in his right biceps femoris, but has now fully recovered. With key teammates sidelined, his pace, directness, and goal threat have become even more vital for the team’s offensive play.
Lamine Yamal (Winger/)
The teenage prodigy has already shown major promise and is viewed as one of Barça’s future leaders. Although he has had some groin discomfort, his return offers a bright spark in an otherwise difficult period. Yamal’s dribbling, creativity, and youthful energy make him a player the club must now lean on heavily.
Pedri (again) – when fit
Though currently injured, Pedri remains central to Barcelona’s style of play. Once he returns, his vision, ball progression and ability to link defence and attack will be indispensable. The club must manage his minutes carefully to avoid further risk, given recent issues.
What’s next for Barcelona?
With so many absences, Barcelona faces a multi-layered challenge.
1. Tactical adjustment and rotation
With Gavi and Pedri both unavailable (at least temporarily), Flick will need to reconsider midfield formations. Expect increased use of rotation, perhaps a double pivot, or incorporation of younger players to fill the gap.
2. Physical management and prevention
Given the volume of injuries this season, reportedly 38 different injury spells between August 2024 and October 2025, and five per month at peak. Barça cannot simply hope players will heal; proactive load management, recovery protocols, and squad depth are key.
3. Dependence on remaining leaders and youth stepping up
With many senior players out, the burden falls on Raphinha, Yamal, and, when healthy, Pedri to lead by example. It’s also an opportunity for younger and fringe players to claim minutes and build confidence. Barcelona’s ability to remain competitive may hinge on how quickly those stepping in adapt to higher responsibility.
4. Agenda for recruitment and squad depth
This injury wave highlights an underlying need: better depth at midfield and attack. Barcelona may look to the market or internal development to ensure future resilience. The club’s decision-making in January or the summer will matter.
5. Psychological resilience and momentum
Injuries are part of football, but a cluster of absences can damage morale. Barcelona must maintain a positive mindset, instill confidence in those stepping up, and navigate the upcoming months without allowing setbacks to spiral into poor form.
Though the headlines may read “injury crisis”, for Barcelona, this period can also represent a test of character and adaptability. The long-term loss of Gavi and the extended absence of key players are serious blows.
But the presence of players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal gives hope. As Pedri gradually returns, and as younger squad members step forward, Barcelona must seize this moment to demonstrate depth, strategic planning, and resilience.
The road ahead is not easy, but this could be a defining chapter. If Barcelona can manage the load, maintain competitiveness, and protect their key assets, they may emerge stronger. Otherwise, the risk is falling behind rivals both domestically and in Europe. The next few weeks will reveal how well Barça respond, and whether the juniors and second stringers can rise to the occasion when the big names are sidelined.