Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called on his players on Saturday to show more fighting spirit amid an injury crisis affecting the Spanish league champion and its struggles to reach the required level. "It is important that everyone comes back and, after two or three games, reaches a good level and can help us a lot. They are big players, cornerstones of the team," he said. "I know, and we all know, and the players know that we need to perform much better. Perhaps this is a new starting point," Flick added. "Until then, and tomorrow's match is an example of that, we have to fight." The Catalan team drew 3-3 at home to Club Brugge of Belgium in the Champions League on Wednesday, trailing its historic rival Real Madrid by five points at the top of the league before facing Celta Vigo on Sunday. After a domestic treble last season, Barcelona is experiencing a dip in form in Flick's second season in charge due to the absence of several key players. Barcelona will be without Raphinha, Pedri, goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Gavi at the Palau Blaugrana, with Flick indicating that French right-back Jules Kounde might also not be ready. "It is not an excuse, it is a fact. We have many injured players. We hope to see them tomorrow," Flick said at a press conference. Celta Vigo is in good form after winning its last five matches in all competitions, which Flick described as being "in a good mood." Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal regained his form against Brugge, and the coach confirmed he had intensified his efforts to recover from a thigh problem: "He is much better now, he is really training well." The 18-year-old was called up to the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers, and Flick asked national team coach Luis de la Fuente to take care of the player of Moroccan origin. Yamal's thigh injury had worsened during his time with Spain in September, and he was left out of the October squad due to the same problem. "He has returned to his best level, but it is not over yet. We have to take care of this injury, not only us but also the national team," Flick concluded. "On Wednesday we did not see the fighting spirit we need."
