Ryan Smart
Hansi Flick has made a specific request to Barcelona players related to their pre-season medical tests, according to a new report.
Flick took over as manager of Les Cules after the end of last season, replacing Xavi in the role.
The former Bayern Munich and Germany boss took charge of pre-season training for the first time earlier this week - but hasn't exactly had ample opportunity to make his presence felt.
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In a problem encountered by managers and clubs across Europe's top leagues, most of Barca's senior players are unavailable as they are competing, or have been competing, at Euro 2024 or the Copa America.
Only nine senior players were available to Flick on his opening day, with midfielder Oriol Romeu perhaps the most notable of those.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Barca players have already undergone customary pre-season medical tests, which traditionally consists of four sections - including blood and urine analysis and cardiology tests.
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But Flick has insisted that a fifth metric is added to the assessment - dental tests.
The German boss is said to be keen on every player submitting a dental report, with a specialised dentist being employed by the club's medical staff in order to carry out the tests.
While the demand may seem slightly bizarre on paper, there is a scientific reason behind it.
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According to the same outlet, a study carried out several years ago found that 77 per cent of British footballers had gingivitis, with 80 per cent suffering from periodontal disease. Oral infections have been directly linked with certain injuries by several studies.
Harley Street Dental Studio, which works with Premier League clubs in London, claim that seven per cent of footballers say that dental issues were affecting their performance on the pitch.
A note on their website reads: "Your jaw bite plays a key factor in the overall posture of the head, neck and spine.
"Bad bites can be caused by many things including tooth loss, broken down teeth and poor positioning of teeth.
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"Without ideal posture, an athlete's strength, power, balance and ease of movement is compromised."