As the sun sets on a turbulent week in Barcelona, the mood at the Spotify Camp Nou is shifting from panic to pragmatic optimism. On Friday, February 20, 2026, the sight of Gavi joining part of the group session for the first time in five months acted as a lightning rod for the fans’ hope. But while Gavi is the heart of the future, Pedri and Marcus Rashford are the solutions for the present.
1. The “15-Minute Roadmap” for Pedri
Hansi Flick has learned the hard way that a Barcelona without Pedri is a team without a pulse. However, the medical staff has issued a strict directive: no rushing.
The Levante Plan: Pedri is expected to be on the bench this Sunday, February 22. The “roadmap” involves a capped 15–20 minute cameo in the second half to test his hamstring’s response under match intensity.
Midfield Balance: With Pedri back, Flick intends to shift from a “chaotic” transition game to a “controlled” possession game. The aim is to reduce the number of high-speed sprints required by the defenders—effectively protecting the high line by keeping the ball.
2. Managing the “Lamine Burden”
One of the most sobering statistics from the 2026 season is that Lamine Yamal has carried 40% of Barca’s progressive ball carries. At 18, he is showing signs of “performance fatigue.”
The Rashford Rotation: The return of Marcus Rashford from a minor knee doubt is crucial. Flick plans to utilize Rashford’s verticality to allow Lamine more “rest periods” during games, possibly starting the Englishman on the left and moving Ferran Torres to a more central, supportive role.
The “Zero Risk” Policy: Flick has hinted that if Barca can secure a two-goal lead early against Levante, Lamine will be the first player subbed off.
3. The Gavi Timeline: From “Tunnel of Slaps” to Pitch
The “tunnel of taps and slaps” Gavi received on Friday was a major milestone. Having undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus in September 2025, his recovery has been grueling.
March 2026: Gavi will increase training intensity but will not feature in any matchday squads.
April 2026: The target for a full return. Flick views Gavi as the “emergency sub” for the final Champions League push and the climax of the title race against Real Madrid.
4. Prediction: Can They Bounce Back?
The Matchday 25 clash against Levante is more than a game; it is a declaration of intent. Levante (19th in the table) will likely employ a “low block” and seek to catch the high line on the break—exactly what Girona did.
The Key Battle: Lewandowski vs. Levante’s center-backs. With the return of his creative supply line (Pedri), the Polish striker is expected to end his two-game goal drought.
Final Verdict: Expect a more measured, less “suicidal” Barcelona. A 3-0 victory is the minimum requirement to silence the critics and keep the pressure on Ancelotti’s Madrid.
Conclusion: The Season Starts Now
Hansi Flick has stared into the abyss of a mid-season collapse and chosen to double down on his stars’ recovery rather than tactical desperation. If the returns of Pedri and Rashford prove successful this Sunday, the February slump will be seen as the necessary “growing pains” of a legendary tenure.
