The decision is hardly accidental. After Roony Bardghji suffered a serious injury while his own future was being discussed, Barcelona apparently decided there was little point in testing their luck again. Casadó and Fort had already been told to look for a way out, while the other four are also waiting for their situations to be resolved.

So La Masia has temporarily met warehouse logistics. Players who were supposed to fight for opportunities and development are now being kept away from the main group because Barcelona mainly need them to reach the transfer market in one piece.

Flick, meanwhile, continues working with the players expected to be part of his plans. For these six, however, the most important battle is happening away from the pitch: find a new club before the window closes — and preferably avoid so much as a twisted ankle on the way out.