Bisiwu ruled out of Feyenoord squad as Flick cuts through the hype
Hansi Flick confirmed that Jesse Bisiwu will not face Feyenoord. The winger will train with Barcelona’s first team while playing for Barça Atlètic.
Jesse Bisiwu returned to first-team training and was almost immediately linked with a place in Barcelona’s squad to face Feyenoord. One session was enough to create the prospect of a Champions League debut. One answer from Hansi Flick was enough to bring expectations back down.
The Barcelona coach confirmed that Bisiwu will not be involved in Wednesday’s European opener. There will be no surprise call-up and no sudden promotion. For now, the club is sticking to the development plan already in place for the young winger.
A POSSIBILITY BECAME A STORY BEFORE FLICK SPOKE
“AS” reported on Tuesday morning that Bisiwu had joined first-team training alongside Hamza after recovering from an ankle problem. His return raised the possibility that he could become one of the new faces in Flick’s first Champions League squad of the season.
The original report presented his inclusion as a possibility, not a confirmed decision. That distinction quickly became less visible as the prospect of a debut gathered momentum. Around Barcelona, a young player attending senior training can become a first-team storyline before the coach has even selected his squad.
Flick removed the uncertainty during his press conference. Asked about the winger, he replied: “He will not be with the team on Wednesday, but he is fine.”
THE ACTUAL PLAN IS FAR LESS DRAMATIC
Flick explained that Bisiwu will continue training with the senior side while playing his matches for Barça Atlètic. The youngster remains connected to the first team and the coach believes he has potential, but regular football with the reserves is currently the priority.
That is a more measured plan than throwing him straight into a Champions League fixture shortly after an ankle injury. Training with the first team was a sign of progress, but it was never a guarantee of selection.
None of this reflects badly on Bisiwu. He recovered, returned to work and remains part of Barcelona’s plans. The hype was built around him. Once again, the story of a new Barcelona prospect travelled considerably faster than the player’s actual promotion.
