Marc Casadó Moment

More patience than Saint Job. He's always had it because no one has ever given him anything. He's neither gifted nor ahead of his time. He's accustomed to slow-burning his progress. Marc Casado struggled to reach Barça 's first team, just as he struggled to establish himself first in the reserve team. Once at the top, he racked up caps without playing under Xavi Hernández, but he didn't despair. He could have left the club of his life on several occasions, the last time this summer because, in theory, the team had too many midfielders. But he didn't budge. A Barcelona fan by birth, a fan-player, and a passionate fan, the Catalan received a boost from Hansi Flick when he asked him to stay.

So far, he's only played 45 minutes this season. He started at Levante, but this weekend should be his moment. With Gavi injured and Frenkie de Jong also likely out with a glute problem, Casadó is clearly a candidate for the starting lineup against Valencia . It was against Valencia that he made his first start in La Liga. It was at Mestalla at the start of last season, the campaign in which he truly made his mark, appearing in 36 matches, 29 of them starting.

He took full advantage of the fact that De Jong was coming off an injury, that Gavi hadn't yet returned, and that Marc Bernal tore his knee in Vallecas. To do that, he had to be there. Although Flick could also opt for Eric Garcia as a pivot tomorrow, it makes sense that Casadó would be the one chosen.

Gavi will continue conservative treatment for another week and Marc Bernal aims to return soon.

Because similar circumstances exist as those of twelve months ago. On one hand, there's the issue of Gavi. The Andalusian is suffering from pain in the meniscus of his right knee, which he operated on in November 2023. This Friday, a meeting was held at the training grounds, attended by the player and medical staff, among others. It was decided to extend Gavi's conservative treatment for another week. The injury will then be re-examined. The threat of having to undergo surgery and be sidelined for longer (around six weeks) remains looming. He hasn't trained since August 30.

On the other hand, De Jong continued to train outside the group, making it very difficult for him to be present at the Johan Cruyff Stadium this Sunday. The Dutchman left his national team's training camp with a minor glute injury and is expected to be cautious so he can be present on Thursday in Newcastle for Barcelona's Champions League opener. Hansi Flick will be on the bench for that match. UEFA has lifted his ban for his protests against Inter last season, partially upholding Barcelona's appeal. The coach will be under UEFA surveillance for a year in case he is a repeat offender.

Marc Bernal could also be at Saint James' Park. In fact, the youth-team midfielder is awaiting medical clearance after an intense summer in which he has been working on his fitness. He's likely to be included in the squad for this Sunday's match against Valencia. Flick has had to hold him back, but if the German deems it appropriate, he'll have access to a player he loves for his size, physicality, tactical intelligence, and ball handling. His return, however, will be gradual to try to avoid any relapse.

UEFA suspends Hansi Flick's ban, allowing him to sit on the bench on Thursday in Newcastle.

Among those injured and those on the verge of a comeback, Casadó stands out. His Barcelona roots and footballing integrity are undeniable. Furthermore, he's a player who knows only too well what it's like to play at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. He did so tirelessly during his two seasons with the reserve team. He's a homegrown player, in the literal sense of the word.