Barca's Flick wishes 'no more injuries' for 2026

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Friday (January 2) that he hoped hsi squad would remain healthy during 2026, after suffering several injuries throughout the season.

Stars Lamine Yamal and Dami Olmo are back in training, he said during a press conference ahead of the LaLiga match against city rivals Espanyol.

Espanyol have banned Barcelona fans from wearing their team's shirt and stepped up security ahead of Saturday's LaLiga Catalan derby at the RCDE Stadium, with tensions running high as Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia prepares to return to his former club.

"I think everyone wants to send positive energy for the players, for all around. So for me, everyone has to be focused on their team and not on the other team," Flick said.

Espanyol have also installed protective netting behind both goals "to ensure the safety of all attendees and help the event run smoothly", with Garcia, who made a summer move to their bitter rivals, set to face his old team for the first time since leaving.

Flick is also in the market for defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window.

"I think maybe we need one more player, but at the end it's like we have to discuss it and it's not easy in the winter market to get a player on this level," he added.

Barcelona top the standings on 46 points and Espanyol are fifth on 33.

Production: Elena Rodriguez/Reuters