La Liga#Barcelona

Fitness issues limit one of Flick's attacking options and force tactical adjustment

Fitness concerns have pushed Hansi Flick to scale back one of his attacking solutions before bringing it back against Osasuna.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has been forced to search for alternative attacking solutions in recent weeks because of fitness concerns affecting parts of his forward line.

Media reports say Flick has used a two-striker setup at different points in his first season, but has been unable to rely on it consistently because of physical problems impacting several players.

Against Osasuna, the German coach turned back to that idea when Barcelona needed more penetration, with players such as Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres used close to Robert Lewandowski.

The adjustment underlines Flick's attempt to preserve attacking variety despite the packed schedule and physical limitations during a decisive phase of the La Liga title race.