Barcelona close monitoring 17-year-old defensive gem’s workload to avoid injury risk | OneFootball

According to Toni Juanmarti of SPORT, Barcelona are taking a cautious approach to managing young defender Pau Cubarsi’s development and fitness.

The club’s technical staff, physical trainers, and medical services are keeping an exceptionally close eye on the 17-year-old centre-back in this early stage of the season.

Not an ideal pre-season

Cubarsi’s situation has been marked as a high priority due to his unusual summer schedule. Missing out on the Euros at the last moment was a disappointment for the La Masia gem, but it led to his participation in the Olympic Games.

Consequently, he missed the opportunity to work under new coach Hansi Flick during the pre-season.

After winning gold on August 9, Cubarsi joined Barcelona just two days later, with only a week left before the start of La Liga.

While he was match-fit from the Olympics, he lacked the carefully tailored pre-season preparation that his teammates received under Hansi Flick and physical preparation head Julio Tous.

Careful management of minutes

Recognising this unique situation, Barcelona have adopted a cautious strategy. In the first five La Liga matches, Cubarsi has been substituted three times around the 60-minute mark.

Barcelona do not wish to risk an injury with Cubarsi. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

It has been done as Flick aims to prevent overload, particularly in the final stretches of matches when fatigue increases the risk of injuries.

The injuries to teammates Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, who also had less-than-ideal summer preparations, have only heightened the vigilance around Cubarsi.

With a demanding schedule ahead, the plan is to continue providing rest for the young defender, either by substituting him when the score allows or occasionally starting him on the bench.

The coaching staff and physical trainers have already given Cubarsi extra rest days following matches, as he has reported muscle fatigue on multiple occasions.

Communication between Flick, his assistants, and the teenager is constant, with frequent check-ins on his physical condition.

A recent example of this careful management occurred during the match against Girona last Sunday.

Cubarsi approached the sideline early in the second half to request a supplement that alleviates muscle fatigue and tension. With Barcelona leading 3-0, Flick didn’t hesitate to substitute him.

This cautious approach underscores Barcelona’s recognition of Cubarsi’s importance to the team. At just 17, he is considered a key player, and the club is doing everything in its power to protect and nurture his development.