Barcelona May Start 17‑Year‑Old in Attack vs Girona

Barcelona is staring down an attacking crisis that could see a 17‑year‑old La Masia graduate front the line against Girona on Oct 22.

When FC Barcelona announced on Oct 16 that Ferran Torres, forward for the club, was dealing with a hamstring overload, the warning bells started ringing.

What’s Gone Wrong on the Pitch?

In the span of two weeks the Catalan giants have been hit by a cascade of setbacks:

• Dani Olmo, midfielder, ruled out for at least three weeks after a training‑ground knock on Oct 9.
• Pablo Martín Páez Gavira – better known as Gavi – still recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in Nov 2022.
• Ansu Fati, forward on loan at AS Monaco, left the field early in a Ligue 1 match on Oct 18 and is now listed as doubtful.
• Even the veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has been flagged as unavailable in internal assessments released on Oct 19.

That’s basically every front‑line option you can think of, and it forces manager Xavi Hernández to look deeper into the academy.

Who Might Fill the Void?

The most plausible candidate is a 17‑year‑old from La Masia. The youngster has been training with the first‑team squad for weeks, but until now has not featured in a senior match.

Club president Joan Laporta hinted at “contingency plans” during his Oct 18 press conference, refusing to name the player but confirming that a academy graduate is on the shortlist.

How the Injuries Unfolded

It started with Olmo on Oct 9. The midfielder, who had just completed a transfer from RB Leipzig in August, pushed through persistent discomfort to keep his World Cup hopes alive. After a high‑intensity drill with the Spanish national squad, he felt a sharp pop in his right thigh and was sidelined for three weeks.

Just a week later, medical staff revealed Torres’ hamstring situation. While no formal diagnosis was given, the club stressed the player was unlikely to miss more than a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, Gavi continues his long‑term rehab. He was last seen chatting with Ansu Fati on Oct 17, but the midfielder’s knee is still not match‑fit.

Ansu Fati’s own drama unfolded in Monaco. Coach Adi Hutter said he “refuses to rush” the forward after a minor ankle strain forced him off at halftime on Oct 18. The 21‑year‑old had already netted six goals and added two assists in five Ligue 1 outings, catching the eye of Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who confirmed the player is “on our radar” for upcoming qualifiers.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond the sporting angle, the financial hit could be hefty. Barcelona’s 2022‑23 report shows an average match‑day revenue of €3.8 million at Camp Nou, a stadium that holds 99,354 fans. Missing a key attacker in a high‑profile La Liga showdown could shave roughly €2.5 million off the club’s earnings, not counting possible commercial penalties.

On the league table, Barcelona sit third with 18 points from nine matches, just three points behind leaders Real Madrid. A slip‑up against Girona could shrink that gap or even open a door for a fourth‑place finish.

Reactions from the Camp Nou Corridor

Supporters have taken to social media with a mix of concern and optimism. One fan wrote, “If we have to trust a teenager, let’s give him the chance – we’ve survived worse.” Another warned, “We can’t afford another loss; the board must act fast.”

Inside the club, medical director Ricard Pruna has faced intense scrutiny. Critics argue that player monitoring during international windows has been lax, while Pruna defends his team, citing “unforeseen aggravations” rather than negligence.

Looking Ahead

The La Liga fixture against Girona will kick off at 7:00 PM CEST on Oct 22 at Montilivi Stadium. The Spanish Football Federation has confirmed the date will hold, despite Barcelona’s plea for a postponement.

If the 17‑year‑old is thrown into the breach, he will become the youngest Barça starter in a league match since the 1990s. Whether he can shoulder the pressure remains to be seen, but a solid performance could accelerate his rise to the senior squad.