Barcelona Duo Walking Suspension Tightrope Ahead of Girona Showdown

Barcelona travel to Girona on Monday night knowing anything less than victory could end their lingering hopes of reclaiming top spot in LaLiga, yet two key starters must balance aggression with discipline if they are to remain available for the following fixture against Levante.

Midfield anchor Frenkie de Jong and emerging centre-back Gerard Martin each carry four yellow cards this campaign, meaning another caution at Estadi Montilivi would trigger an automatic one-match ban. With the squad already stretched by injuries and a shallow bench in both defence and midfield, the loss of either player would compound coach Hansi Flick’s selection headache.

De Jong has been ever-present in the engine room during Pedri’s spell on the sidelines, providing ballast and distribution that Barça can ill-afford to lose. Although Pedri’s return is believed to be imminent, Flick would still prefer the Dutchman’s experience for the visit to Levante.

Martin, for his part, has flourished as a makeshift left-sided centre-back, offering a reliable alternative to Eric Garcia. Should the 21-year-old pick up a fifth caution, Pau Cubarsi, Garcia and Ronald Araujo would shoulder an even heavier load in central defence during a congested run-in.

Monday’s clash therefore carries a dual imperative: secure three points to keep pace with Real Madrid, who moved clear with a 4-1 defeat of Real Sociedad on Saturday, while steering clear of the referee’s notebook. For de Jong and Martin, caution is the operative word as Barcelona enter a decisive phase of the season.