Barcelona prepare emergency right-back plan as Farinas emerges from the shadows

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is considering a surprise solution to Xavi Espart’s injury, with midfielder Brian Farinas being prepared for an emergency role at right-back.

Espart’s absence has disrupted Barcelona’s plans in a position he had occupied consistently while Eric Garcia continued his recovery and Jules Kounde worked towards regaining full fitness. With conventional alternatives in question, sources within the club have told Mundo Deportivo that Flick is ready to turn to Farinas, a player whose versatility became clear during pre-season.

Farinas the unexpected option

Farinas has not played a single competitive minute for Barcelona this season, but he earned Flick’s full confidence during the summer preparations. The midfielder joined from Benicarlo and graduated from La Masia in 2018.

After taking every opportunity to train with the first team, Farinas strengthened his case with his performances and determination. His form helped prevent a move to Girona last summer, following an outstanding campaign with Barcelona Atletic in which he displayed consistency, an ability to make late runs into the penalty area and strong playmaking qualities.

Flick had already used him mainly as a defensive and attacking midfielder during pre-season, but the manager also tested him at right-back in the friendly against Birmingham City on 31 July. Farinas came on as a substitute for Espart and spent 28 minutes in the unfamiliar position.

His tactical intelligence and adaptability during that appearance impressed Flick and underlined his potential to operate in more than one role. Farinas 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, although he played in midfield on those occasions.

Across their five friendly matches, he accumulated 198 minutes.

Before Barcelona’s La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano in the third round, Flick publicly praised the youngster, saying he had “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 underlines Barcelona’s faith

Flick has acknowledged that regular playing time would be difficult for Farinas to secure because of the intense competition in midfield. However, Barcelona signalled their long-term belief in him at the end of the summer transfer window by registering him as a first-team player and giving him the number four shirt previously worn by Ronald Araujo.

Although limited squad places have meant that Farinas has spent much of the season either on the bench or outside the matchday squad, the decision reflected Barcelona’s confidence in his future.

Espart’s injury could now provide the opportunity Farinas has been waiting for: a chance to move from promising prospect to an emergency solution for Barcelona ahead of their La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026.