Hansi Flick brings 18-year-old La Masia talent into first-team training

Hansi Flick has added another La Masia prospect to Barcelona’s senior training group. Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Iker Rodríguez took part in Friday’s session and is expected to be included in the squad for the away match against Sevilla. His promotion comes as a direct consequence of Joan García’s knee problem.

AN INJURY OPENS THE DOOR

García missed Barcelona’s final session before Saturday’s game at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. He felt discomfort in his right knee during the 7-2 victory over Racing Santander and was replaced at half-time. Tests did not reveal a serious injury, but the coaching staff do not want to take an unnecessary risk.

With the first-choice goalkeeper unavailable, Flick called Rodríguez into the senior group. According to Mundo Deportivo, the academy graduate is set to travel to Seville as Barcelona’s third goalkeeper. Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to start, with Dominik Livaković providing the other experienced option.

RODRÍGUEZ ALREADY KNOWS THE SENIOR SETUP

This is not Rodríguez’s first contact with the first team. The young goalkeeper trained with the senior squad in previous seasons and was also involved during the summer preparation period following the departures of Ander Astralaga and Áron Yaakobishvili.

He has started the new campaign as Barça Atlètic’s first-choice goalkeeper. Rodríguez kept clean sheets in the opening league matches against Náxara and Logroñés B, strengthening his position among the club’s most highly regarded goalkeeping prospects. He is expected to return to reserve-team duty after the Sevilla match.

LA MASIA RETURNS TO EMERGENCY DUTY

Barcelona often present academy promotions as proof of their commitment to youth development. On this occasion, the explanation is less romantic: the first-choice goalkeeper is unavailable and Flick needs another name to complete the matchday group.

That takes nothing away from Rodríguez, whose performances for Barça Atlètic have earned him the opportunity. It does, however, show how quickly the hierarchy can change. Livaković arrived as additional cover, Szczęsny is now expected to return to the starting line-up, and an 18-year-old could take his place on the bench.

For Rodríguez, it is valuable experience at senior level. For Barcelona, it is another reminder that La Masia becomes especially useful when the first team suddenly runs short of available options.