The midfielder has been included in nine matchday squads this season without making his senior bow. However, a defensive injury crisis has created an opportunity, with Flick considering using the academy graduate in an unfamiliar position at right-back.
"Jules Koundé is out, and so are Espart, Eric and Christensen. We are missing four at the back. We have to find solutions, and that is what we are working on," the Barcelona coach explained.
Flick was particularly enthusiastic when asked about Fariñas, who has been training with the first team since the beginning of the season.
"Brian is very intelligent. He has been training with us since the start of the season. He is doing a fantastic job. He deserves to play now," the German said.
Fariñas normally operates in midfield, but he has already shown that he can adapt to a wider defensive role. He played at right-back during pre-season against Birmingham City, an experiment that left a positive impression on Flick and could now be repeated in a competitive fixture.
Born in Benicarló, the midfielder joined Barcelona's academy in July 2018 after arriving from Villarreal's youth system. He was nine years old when he began his development at La Masia, progressing through the club's age groups before becoming an important member of the Juvenil A side.
His breakthrough at youth level came during the 2024-25 campaign, when he helped the team win the league, Copa del Rey and UEFA Youth League treble.
Fariñas had already made his Barça Atlètic debut on 16 March 2024, featuring in a victory away to Teruel. He made two appearances that season and seven more during the following campaign, while still eligible for the youth team.
His role expanded considerably in 2025-26 under Juliano Belletti. He played 35 matches for the reserve side, scoring five goals and providing six assists, establishing himself as one of its most dependable performers.
That progress earned him a place in Flick's pre-season preparations and, subsequently, a first-team squad number. Fariñas now wears the number four shirt, previously associated with players including Ronald Araújo, Ivan Rakitić and Cesc Fàbregas.
He has been named in six LaLiga squads and three Champions League matchday groups this season, against Elche, Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Feyenoord, Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Alavés fixture could finally bring his first appearance. If selected, Fariñas would become another academy graduate to receive an opportunity under Flick, whose willingness to promote young Barcelona talent has already benefited several players.