Barcelona Calls Up Alex Campos Amid Defensive Injuries Before PSG Clash

Barcelona has turned to its youth academy to address a defensive shortage ahead of its Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in Paris on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Coach Hansi Flick has included 18-year-old center back Alex Campos in the squad after injuries sidelined Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, while Gerard Martin remains doubtful with an ankle problem.

The absences leave Pau Cubarsi as the only fully available first-team center back, according to Mundo Deportivo and Yahoo News. Barcelona must assess its remaining options before facing PSG and then Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 25, with the defensive situation potentially affecting preparations for both matches.

Eric Garcia is expected to miss three to four weeks because of a muscle injury in his right thigh, according to Vietnam.vn. Kounde has suffered a sprain in his left ankle and will miss the PSG match, while his availability for the Real Madrid fixture remains uncertain.

Martin also faces a late fitness assessment after taking a heavy blow to his left ankle during Barcelona's match against Real Betis. Yahoo News, citing Sport, reported that medical tests ruled out structural damage, but swelling and discomfort persisted despite Martin completing Monday's training session.

Flick will consult the medical staff and Martin before deciding whether the 24-year-old can play in Paris. Martin was substituted at halftime against Betis as a precaution, with Garcia replacing him, and his continued uncertainty has increased the pressure on Barcelona's defensive resources.

Campos offers another option after establishing himself as a regular starter for Barcelona's reserve side, Barça Atlètic. The right-footed defender joined La Masia from Atlètic Segre in the summer of 2021 and made his official debut for the reserve team on September 28, 2025, against UE Sant Andreu.

According to Marca, Campos has started all seven of Barça Atlètic's Segunda Federación matches this season and completed the full 90 minutes in each appearance. He has also scored once, against CD Tudelano, and can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a center back.

The 1.85-meter defender renewed his Barcelona contract in July through June 2029, with an option for an additional season. His aerial ability, decisive tackling and distribution have helped establish him as one of the academy's promising defenders, although he did not join Flick's first-team preseason preparations.

Mundo Deportivo argued that promoting Campos would demonstrate Barcelona's commitment to developing academy players rather than immediately relying on positional changes. The outlet identified Frenkie de Jong and Rodri as alternative options if Flick decides against giving the teenager his debut, with Alejandro Balde also mentioned as a possible defensive adjustment.

Barcelona's immediate decision will depend partly on Martin's condition and the coaching staff's assessment of the available replacements. The club must finalize its defensive approach for the PSG match while also considering player availability ahead of the October 25 meeting with Real Madrid at Camp Nou.