Hansi Flick explains why Marc Casado starts ahead of Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona vs Real Mallorca

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has clarified that Frenkie de Jong’s omission from the starting lineup against Real Mallorca is rooted in fitness concerns rather than tactical preference. Speaking to Movistar ahead of Saturday’s Camp Nou encounter, Flick stated: “Frenkie wasn’t 100%, so we’ve decided to put him on the bench.”

The Dutch midfielder, who has impressed for the Catalan side this year, will thus begin the match among the substitutes, allowing 20-year-old academy product Marc Casado to step in. Casado will partner Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in midfield, tasked with anchoring a depleted engine room already missing Pedri and Gavi through injury. Winger Raphinha is also unavailable, though club sources hope he can return in midweek fixtures.

Flick has reshaped his attacking trident to compensate, fielding Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and new signing Marcus Rashford in an attempt to keep Barcelona’s momentum alive. A victory over visiting Mallorca would extend the Blaugrana’s advantage at the La Liga summit to four points before rivals Real Madrid take on Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday evening.

The German coach has summoned 21 players for the matchday squad, underlining the depth required as the club navigates multiple absences. Among those promoted, Casado—who dreams of spending his entire career with his boyhood club—now has the opportunity to cement his place in Flick’s plans.