Without Makoundou, Evbuomwan and Nebo, Sekulic's new Barça
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
Yoan Makoundou, at 2.06 meters, is one of FC Barcelona's new reinforcements, but has not yet had the opportunity to debut due to an injury. His recovery is vital for the team, which is already facing difficulties in the post position. Makoundou's presence could bring more defensive solidity and offensive options to the Blaugrana team.
Why this matters
The injuries to Yoan Makoundou, Tosan Evbuomwan and Josh Nebo are significantly affecting the depth and balance of FC Barcelona. The lack of interior presence makes the team vulnerable in demanding games, especially in European competitions. The situation requires coach Roger Sekulic to find quick solutions to maintain the team's competitiveness.
Main conclusions
- Without Makoundou, Evbuomwan and Nebo, Sekulic's new Barça.
- Injuries to Makoundou, Evbuomwan and Nebo leave Barça short on the inside.
- Sin Makoundou, Evbuomwan and Nebo, there is no paradise possible.
Roger Sekulic's new Barça begins to reveal its identity: attack quickly, run from start to finish and, when there is space, launch without hesitation. It's a modern, eye-catching concept capable of setting fire to buildings on days when shooters sharpen their aim — think of Robinson, Gibson, Martin, Punter, Brizuela or Parra “filling the rim” in series. The idea, however, today has a well-defined competitive ceiling: the internal fragility derived from accumulated casualties.
History also shows the other side of the coin. Barcelona has cyclically been the victim of an opponent in a state of grace — since the unforgettable Larry Wright in the final lost to Banco di Roma in 1984 — and, when the triples don't fall, there is no alternative but to defend better. This is precisely the pending examination of this still tender and irregular version of the Blaugrana team. Without a dominant presence in the middle, it becomes more difficult to control the pace, protect the table and close the rebound, especially in demanding trips across Europe, such as the recent visit to Murcia.
With three of the four new posts out of action, the onus fell on Balcerowski. At 2.16 meters, the Pole has multiplied himself in tasks and minutes, performing above expectations, but he remains too alone in the inside rotation. Yoan Makoundou (2.06 m) has not yet made his Blaugrana debut due to worsening patellar tendinopathy. The initial plan pointed to around six weeks of stoppage; Once this horizon is met, the return to training with the team could be imminent. Tosan Evbuomwan (2.03 m) suffered a subluxation in his shoulder and the Brit was unable to even add minutes in the summer specials, delaying his integration into the system.
Josh Nebo (2.06 m) was the only one to make his debut in the pre-season, but a muscle tear in his calf (soleus) kept him away from the court in the meantime. Internal expectations point to a return in around ten days, which, if confirmed, will give Sekulic a key player to regain physical presence, verticality in the pick-and-roll and impact on offensive and defensive rebound.
When the coach recovers Makoundou, Evbuomwan and Nebo, Barça should gain what it lacks most today: structural balance, dominance of the rebound and competitive consistency. Until then, the margin for error remains small and the team depends too much on external success and the ability to run after defensive stops.
The next test arrives tomorrow, against Zalgiris, and opens an authentic rollercoaster of seven matches in a short space of time. A cycle that will require rotation, effort management and, above all, the recovery of the inner muscle that could give Barça back the solidity that its attack, on its own, still cannot guarantee.
What happens next
With Makoundou's imminent return to training, the expectation is that he can quickly contribute to Barça's interior rotation. Meanwhile, Balcerowski's reliance will continue to be a challenge, especially in games against strong opposition. The next test against Zalgiris will be crucial to assess Barça's ability to adapt without their key players.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Sekulic's Barça?
Roger Sekulic's new Barça has begun to reveal its identity, focusing on a fast and aggressive style of play, but is facing difficulties due to injuries to key players.
Who confirmed Yoan Makoundou's injury?
The information about Yoan Makoundou's injury and his delay in making his debut for the team was mentioned in the context of the article.
Why are Barça facing difficulties now?
Barça is facing difficulties now due to internal fragility caused by accumulated injuries to players, which affects their competitive performance.
What changes have occurred in the Barça team?
Changes in the team include
m the absence of three of the four new posts, which has led Balcerowski to take on more responsibilities in the interior rotation.
What is known about Tosan Evbuomwan's return?
Tosan Evbuomwan suffered a subluxation in his shoulder and did not participate in the summer games, which delayed his integration into the team's system.